There can be several psychological reasons someone might gravitate toward a janitor or similar type of job after experiencing rape. These reasons are often tied to trauma responses, feelings of control, and coping mechanisms:

1. Desire for low visibility / anonymity:
   After trauma, some survivors feel safer in roles that are behind the scenes, less socially demanding, or lower-profile. Being a janitor often involves working without constant social scrutiny, which can feel protective.
2. Control and routine:
   Trauma can make life feel unpredictable and unsafe. A janitor’s job often has structured tasks and routines—sweeping, cleaning, organizing—which can restore a sense of control and order. Completing tangible tasks can also provide small, achievable successes that reinforce self-efficacy.
3. Reclaiming personal agency:
   Choosing a physically active, hands-on role can help survivors reclaim agency over their environment. Cleaning and maintaining a space can feel like asserting control over what was once unsafe or chaotic.
4. Emotional safety / boundaries:
   Janitorial work usually involves limited intimate or social contact, which can feel safer for someone whose boundaries were violated. The job may provide a buffer from situations that could otherwise trigger anxiety, fear, or hypervigilance.
5. Self-punishment or low self-esteem:
   In some cases, trauma survivors may unconsciously choose jobs they perceive as “low status” due to feelings of shame or worthlessness after assault. This isn’t universal, but it can be a factor.
6. Need for solitary processing:
   Cleaning jobs often allow for quiet, solitary time. This can give space for internal processing, reflection, or emotional regulation without needing to constantly interact with others.

Essentially, choosing a janitorial role after rape can be a mix of seeking safety, structure, control, and distance from triggering social interactions—all very understandable trauma-informed responses.