Title: Coping with Crime Victimization — FBI
Headings: Coping with Crime Victimization
Coping with Crime Victimization
Potential Effects of Trauma
Tips for Coping
For Family and Friends of a Victim of Crime
Additional Resources
National Resources and Hotlines for Crime Victims

Content: Not everyone has the same reaction. In some people the reaction may be delayed days, weeks, or even months. Some victims may think they are “going crazy,” when they are having a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Getting back to normal can be a difficult process after a personal experience of this kind, especially for victims of violent crime and families of murder victims. Learning to understand and feel more at ease with the intense feelings can help victims better cope with what happened. Victims may need to seek help from friends, family, a member of the clergy, a counselor, or a victim assistance professional. Potential Effects of Trauma
Some people who have been victims of crime may experience some of these symptoms. Seek medical advice if the symptoms persist. Physical
Nausea
Tremors
Chills or sweating
Lack of coordination
Heart palpitations or chest pains
High blood pressure
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Stomach upset
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Startled responses
Emotional
Anxiety
Fear
Guilt
Grief
Depression
Sadness
Anger
Irritability
Numbness
Feeling lost, abandoned, and isolated
Wanting to withdraw or hide
Mental
Slowed thinking
Confusion
Disorientation
Memory problems
Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Nightmares
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty in making decisions
Tips for Coping
These are some ideas that may help you cope with the trauma or loss: Find someone to talk with about how you feel and what you are going through.