Victims of all types of crime—both violent and non-violent—may experience trauma, which includes not only physical injuries, but the mental and emotional wounds caused by the victimization. Sometimes that trauma is compounded in the aftermath of a crime—in the re-telling of details to law enforcement or when encountering the perpetrator in the justice system. Just as your physical recovery can require time and professional support, so too can your emotional recovery.
Every person reacts differently to trauma based on their individual psychology, previous experiences, and history of trauma. Some crime victims experience little impact on their mental health while others develop long-term medical conditions. Your reaction has nothing to do with your personality, physical strength, or how you were raised. Left untreated, however, trauma can have serious and lasting effects. It is important to know that there are resources to support you as you recover from victimization.
According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans experiences mental illness each year; yet 60% of affected adults don’t receive mental health services. It can be difficult to distinguish between normal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and signs of mental illness. Common signs of mental illness include excessive worrying, fear, or sadness; extreme mood changes; avoiding friends and social activities; and an inability to carry out daily activities. Maintaining or working toward good mental health is an important component of recovery from victimization.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, Radiant Futures is here to connect you with mental health resources. Radiant Futures offers supportive services, housing and prevention services to support survivors of domestic violence an human trafficking. Our goal is to end the cycle of violence and exploitation. For support or services call our hotline 24/7 at 877-531-5522 or email/text love@radiantfutures.org
Remember, we are here to serve you and help you recover in the aftermath of a crime.