Gannon University
|
|
|
|
police and safety
|
|
|
recovering from crime
|
Your recovery will depend upon many things: if you suffered physical injury; the type of crime; the type of resources available to you and whether you chose to use them; whether or not you have a support system such as family or friends; and your ability to process the crime and put it into perspective.
Many people have been where you are now. You are not alone in your feelings. Some of the most common emotional reactions to crimes include:
|
Shock |
|
Confusion |
|
Disbelief |
|
Anxiety |
|
Fear of the crime being repeated or the offender returning. |
Fear that the offender may seek retribution against you if you call the
police or proceed with a prosecution. |
|
Anger |
|
Helplessness |
|
Intrusive thoughts about the crime |
|
Flashbacks |
|
Dreams about the crime |
|
Nightmares |
|
Shame that the offender chose you. |
|
Guilt that you may have contributed to your vulnerability. |
|
Mood Swings |
|
Feelings of abandonment |
Most victims experience these emotions to a greater or lesser extent. Some people are able to recover on their own but many people need the support of friends, family or professionals to assist them through this period
|
|
|