I know through personal experience that when someone is so overwhelmed with a traumatic event, the human brain will numb the person and leave them void of emotion. My sister was beaten, choked, kneed in the chest by her boyfriend several years ago. He had applied so much pressure on her chest that he ruptured her breast implant. When I came over to the house that night, I found her on the couch in a bewildered state and she was adamant on not wanting to go to the authorities. Needless to say, that same night I convinced her to go to the Police and they took photos of her and along with obtaining a taped confession. Even after everything that she went through, she refused to press charges claiming that she still loved him (and still does). The state attorney picked up the case and he went to jail.
Everyone handles these situations differently. But undoubtedly, once this fiasco is over and only when her children are safe will she allow herself to mourn. Truly is it amazing what the human mind can and will endure. I know the Doc will have plenty of resources available (as usual) and thank god for people like him that are helping bring these issues to the light.