Hells yes it can.

He never hit me, but I spent a few years looking over my shoulder. Just because there were no bruises doesn't mean you didn't get hurt, and just because you can't see scars doesn't mean they aren't there.

My triggers were engines gunning (because he used to drive around the place I was hiding trying to get me to come out), certain songs, people who looked similar to him, places that looked similar to where we lived... I still don't like his name and won't use it or even think it if I can help it. I got rid of almost every belonging that reminded me of that time, including dishes and clothes. I have a hard time visiting my old workplace in case he is there. I don't talk to old mutual friends any more, and when I bump into them I don't discuss him at all, even if they offer information about him.

Five years later, I'm still working on some of this stuff, but mostly I'm over it, and so very glad. Still wouldn't want to run into him if I could help it, but I wouldn't fall to pieces if we ended up in the same place at the same time either. Not afraid of him any more