Victimization

Criminal victimization is a frightening and unsettling experience for many Canadians. It is unpredictable, largely unpreventable and often unexpected.

Unlike normal life experiences, victimization is not sought out and never welcomed. It is debilitating and demoralizing. Its effects can be often long-term and difficult to overcome. Victims may be confused, fearful, frustrated and angry. They want to know why this happened, and why it happened to them.

Victims often have no knowledge of who or where to turn in the aftermath of a crime. They feel insecure and do not know who to trust or rely on for support, understanding and help. Not only do they suffer physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially from their victimization, they are also often burdened by the complexity of the criminal justice system.

We all have a right to be free from victimization and we all have a shared responsibility to make that happen. This quick guide is designed to give you practical information to help you if you or someone you know has been a victim. It tells you what to look for, how to respond, and who to call for help.

This information has been adapted from the Impact of Victimization article prepared by the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. Visit them on the web at www.crcvc.ca

What is Crime?return to top

Crime occurs when someone breaks the law as per the Criminal Code of Canada. Some crimes are against property (for example break and enter and fraud) and other crimes are committed against persons (for example, physical and sexual assault). Some crimes involve both property and people.

All crime is serious and should be treated as such. It is important to remember that even relatively 'minor' crime can be devastating to a person's life. It is a myth that if no offender is caught, then no victim exists.

Family members, friends, and others who care about the victim may also be affected when a crime is committed. These people, along with the victim may need information and support.

How Does Crime Affect People?return to top

Crime affects everyone differently. Victimization often causes trauma and depending upon the level of trauma that a person has already experienced in their lifetime, crime can be devastating.

In general, victimization often impacts people on an emotional, physical, financial, psychological and social level. It is almost impossible to predict how an individual will respond to crime.

Psychological injuries created by crime are often the most difficult to cope with and have longlasting effects. As crime is usually experienced as more serious then an accident or misfortune, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that loss and injury have been caused by the deliberate act of another human being.

Common Reactions To Crimereturn to top

Common reactions to crime can be split into four stages:

Stage One
The initial reaction may include shock, fear, anger, helplessness, disbelief and guilt. Some of these reactions may reoccur at a later stage as well, for example when attending a trial or going to hospital for medical treatment.

Stage Two
A period of disorganization may follow the initial reactions. Life can seem to slow down and become meaningless. Previously held beliefs and faiths may no longer provide comfort.

Stage Three and Four
Reconstruction and acceptance to normalization / adjustment. Victims often try to come to terms with crime by longing for everything to be as it was before and to turn the clock back. In this crucial stage of recovery victims begin to fully accept the reality of what has happened. Victims may try and reinterpret their experience and possibly find an explanation for what has happened or to decide that the crime has lead to personal growth.

How Victims Feelreturn to top

Many victims feel:

• Shock, disbelief and denial
• anger or rage
• fear or terror
• frustration
• confusion
• guilt or self-blame
• shame and humiliation
• grief and sorrow
• stress

How Victims Reactreturn to top

It is not uncommon for victims to:

• have distressing thoughts about the event
• nightmares
• depression
• guilt
• fear
• loss of confidence and self-esteem
• increase use of alcohol or substance abuse
• fragmentation of social relationships
• avoidance of people and situations
• social withdrawal

return to topLong-Term Crisis Reactions

The recovery process might include these long-term crisis reactions:

• Health problems (headaches, high blood pressure)
• Eating problems (not having an appetite, eating too much, feeling nauseated)
• Sleeping problems (insomnia, nightmares)
• Relationship problems (being cranky, irritable, not being able to trust others)

Social Injuries and Secondary Victimizationreturn to top

Social injuries are those that may be caused by society in the aftermath of the crime. They may include being treated insensitively or not receiving the services and/or information that a victim requires.

Anyone can cause a social injury: a family member, a friend, a law enforcement officer, a Crown prosecutor, a member of the clergy, a crisis counselor or a victim services worker.

Secondary victimization refers to victimization which occurs, not as a direct result of the criminal act, but through the response of institutions and individuals to the victim.

Examples of secondary victimization:

• the refusal to recognize their experience as criminal victimization
• intrusive or inappropriate conduct
• the whole process of criminal investigation and trial - the victim perceives difficulties in balancing their rights with those of the accused or the offender
• criminal justice processes and procedures that do not take the perspective of the victim into account
• hurried schedules, cumbersome procedures that may affect a victims sense of dignity and control

What Do Victims Need After a Crime Is Committed?return to top

C	Compassion - Victims sometimes rage at the sudden, unpredictable and uncontrollable threat to their saftey or lives. This rage can even be directed at the people who are trying to help them. Take things professionally - not personally.
O	Options - What are the services and options available to the victim and their family? Given the complexity of the information it's a good idea to diagram the options on paper so they can see and hear the information.
N	Non-judgemental listening - Victims need to have their feelings accepted and their story heard by non-judgemental listeners. Respect and understanding instead of judgement and blame go a long way to restoring a persons' sense of dignity.
T	Time - Victims need time to process what has happened and make decisions about how to respond. This means getting through the intial reactions and processing the experience. Allow the opportunity for follow-up conversations.
R	Reassurance - Victims need to feel safe. Crime often leaves them feeling helpless, vulnerable and frightened. The most common response is "I don't believe this happened to me." Reassure them. Listen to them. Support them.
O	Openess and transparency in the process whether its the criminal justice process or counselling process victims need to know 'what happens next'. Victimization is stressful and clearly knowing what happens next lessens the anxiety.
L	Loneliness and shock are greater for victims of crimes that involve the abuse of power. They often have difficulty recognizing that they have been victimized. They need to know it is not their fault and that no one deserves to be abused.

Recovering From Victimizationreturn to top

Putting the pieces of one's life together following a crime can be a complicated task. It is often an emotional process filled with ups and downs. For most victims, a new sense of equilibrium can eventually be reached but this process can be time consuming and difficult. For some victims support groups and counseling provides healing and support.

The healing process is often slow and can be complicated by family, friends and service providers who may not show understanding. Asking why the victim has not "gotten over it yet" or when he/she is going to "put it behind her and get on with the rest of her life," are some examples of insensitive remarks that are often made to victims in the aftermath of crime.

More Informationreturn to top

people who can help?	the legal side	links and resources