Victims of crime or natural disasters may feel weak or damaged, but seeking support is vital for recovery. Therapy, support groups, local organizations, legal aid, and trusted friends and family can all provide different forms of support. It is important to seek help immediately and find a safe place if in danger.
Being the victim of a crime or a natural act is a terrifying experience, often filled with mixed feelings and messages. Some people are told that being the victim of a bad experience is a sign of weakness, or that someone who feels psychologically damaged or scared after a bad experience is playing into the “victim mindset.” Finding positive and effective sources of victim support can be difficult, but many mental health experts insist that it is vital to a healthy recovery process. There are many different sources of victim support and the most helpful will largely depend on the individual in the situation.
Some people who have been victims of a crime or an unfortunate situation find comfort in group or private therapy. In private therapy, a person can discuss their fears, feelings, and concerns with an experienced counselor who can help create a way through the problems. It may be a good idea to find a therapist who specializes in the type of problem a client faces, in order to get the most out of this source of victim support. Group therapy allows a person to discuss their problems with others who have been through similar situations. This can help some people feel less isolated and find hope in those who have survived the same situation.
While some sources of support are for psychological situations, others deal with the practical considerations following a crime or victimhood. Most communities have local organizations that help provide shelter, medical care, and even financial assistance to those who have been victimized. These organizations are often specific to situations, such as a sexual abuse assistance program, a shelter for battered women, or local departments of human services. Sometimes, finding people who can help with basic needs can be a great relief for a traumatized person or family.
In addition to helping with basic human needs, some victim support groups can help with legal matters as well. Some organizations provide access to legal experts and victim advocates, who can help a victimized person understand and pursue their legal options. If a person is the victim of a crime, it may be important for them to see the criminal apprehended and brought to justice. Crime victim legal aid groups can sometimes provide free or low-cost legal aid to help with this process.
Friends and family may or may not be a good source of support for victims. Even for people with strong family ties and close friendships, it can be difficult or even shameful to explain a dire situation. It is also important to remember that most friends and relatives are not trained professionals and in some cases may have unhelpful or negative reactions. Often, though, friends and family can be of great emotional support and practical use, providing basitter, help with housing or bills, and simply a chance to talk. Those who are uncertain about how to broach the subject with friends and family may wish to choose the most trusted and reliable friend or relative and seek their advice on how to proceed with the rest of a family circle.
To find local sources of victim support, contact your regional department of human services or search online for victim support. Timely support can make a big difference in the recovery process, and experts often suggest that counseling begin right away. If a person finds himself in a dangerous or abusive situation, the most important thing may be to get out of the situation immediately and get to a safe place. Never underestimate the idea of simply going to a police station, as it can be a good source of victim support information and may be able to physically protect a victim or family from an attacker.
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