 victim of a crime experiences a form of crisis. Everyone does not react to a crisis in the same manner. However, victims of crime often experience some common behavior patterns of which one should be aware:
- Increased concern for personal safety and that of ones family.
- Difficulty handling everyday problems; feeling overwhelmed at times.
- More irritable than usual, often as a result of anger toward the criminal being displaced to others.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
- Trouble concentrating on the job.
- Re-living the crime, over and over again, wondering about what could have been done differently or what could have gone wrong.
- Naturally being more cautious.
All of these feelings are normal.
Just as everyone reacts to crime differently, not everyone recovers in the same manner or within the same time frame. Successful recovery depends on the same factors affecting the recovery from many adult life crises. Other factors to consider are: the nature of the crime itself, how you were treated as a victim, your current state of mind, your personal internal strength and the amount of support you receive from family and friends.
Positive support is important. Only you know what's best for you. It is often helpful for others to listen as you express your feelings. You may wish to talk to family or close friends when you feel ready. Talking about the crime and the problems you are encountering is important.
Making contact with a victim assistance program can be a valuable step in your recovery. For information on victim assistance programs within your community contact the local Victim-Witness Coordinator in your District Attorney's Office and/or the East Tennessee Victims' Rights Task Force. A list of Victim-Witness Coordinators appears on the back panel of this brochure. Also included in this brochure is an explanation of the East Tennessee Victims' Rights Task Force and how it may be helpful to you.
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