Crime Victim

Being the victim of a crime is one of the most frightening experiences we can have. There are so many emotions to deal with as well as the physical pain if the crime was a violent one. We are very angry and confused. We question why this happened to us. We feel as if we are somehow responsible because we were unable to stop the crime from occurring or to somehow stop the criminal. While these are all normal emotions the aftermath of a crime is a time for action. Here are the steps you should take when handling this crisis.

What to do first

Call 911. While this may seem obvious it is surprising how many crime victims never report their crime. Many are embarrassed or ashamed especially if the crime was one of violence such as a rape. It is important to contact the police immediately when the changes of catching the criminal are greatest. Remember you are the victim and were not responsible for what happened.
Do not touch any evidence that may be helpful to the police in catching the criminal or providing evidence in court. If your home was robbed do not tidy up before the police arrive. If you were the victim of a sexual assault do not shower. Help the police to help you bring the criminal to justice by allowing them to process the crime scene and gather evidence.
Cooperate with the police so they can help you. Do not let fear convince you not to press charges or appear in court.

What to do next

Crime victims often experience a psychological disorder known as post-traumatic stress syndrome. This occurs when the aftermath of the crime takes a toll on your mental and physical well being. If you have been victimized during a crime (either robbed, raped, involved in an accident, etc.) it is important to contact a mental health professional immediately.
It is very common for you to experience nightmares, anxiety or other stressful emotional consequences. Again, seek help from a mental health professional or a close friend or family member who can provide some additional support during this time. Most of all do not blame yourself. It is not your fault.
If you are feeling vulnerable you need to take steps to feel stronger and more protected against being a victim in the future. This can take many forms. If your home was burglarized you might want to purchase a better door lock or a home alarm system. If you were physically attacked you may want to enroll in self-defense classes.
Look in the blue pages of your phone directory for the numbers of state or local agencies that provide victim assistance programs. The links section of this page provides some useful leads. These agencies can provide advocates to help you at the hospital or at court appearances. Other agencies can compensate you financially and provide financial assistance if you must take off from work to testify in court or to recuperate from your particular situation.
If you are a religious or spiritual person it is wise to go to pray or to attend services and seek comfort from your higher power, whatever form that may take for you. Also, you can try to find room in your heart to forgive the criminal so that you can be relieved of carrying anger around. Anger is a very negative emotion that can cause mental stress and physical stress on your body and lead to illness.

What can you learn from this experience?

Can you learn something from being a crime victim. Yes!

The crime may have opened your eyes up to a danger that you never knew existed before. You may take future steps to help prevent this from occurring again. You will feel safer and stronger.
You will test your strength and courage during the ordeal and YOU WILL come out of the crisis a stronger more confident individual.
You may have a stronger faith in your spiritual beliefs and the crisis may bring you closer to God.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU NOW

Books

Help on the Web

The National Center for Victims of Crime provides many helpful resources including tip sheets, videos, referrals, and much more to help you through the crisis.

Victim Assistance On-Line provides links to help all over the world.

The Office for Victims of Crime is a website run by the U.S. Department of Justice that links to the National Victim Assistance Academy a week-long training program for practitioners in the field of assisting crime victims.

Dignity of Victims Everywhere (D.O.V.E.) has many helpful links and resources for the victims of violent crime.

U.S. Department of Justice Crime Victims Page provides helpful links to many different public, private, and not-for-profit agencies that can provide assistance to the crime victim.

Stalking Victims can find comfort and sanctuary on the excellent website.

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