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What are the Best Tips for Crime Victims?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Some of the best tips for crime victims are those that involve getting help after a crime. For example, a crime victim has the right to report the crime to the authorities in his jurisdiction and may feel empowered after doing so. Other helpful tips include those that involve dealing with the media after being victimized or losing a loved one because of a criminal act. The best tips for crime victims also include those that cover dealing with post-crime emotions through talks with trusted loved ones, crime victim support groups, and sometimes even professional counseling.

One of the best tips for crime victims is to always report the crime. Sometimes a crime victim may be reluctant to report a crime out of fear of the criminal or even embarrassment about being a victim. Failing to report a crime, however, essentially allows the criminal to get away with what he has done. He may then go on to victimize another person or even the same person all over again. Reporting a crime may help bring the criminal to justice and even help the victim of the crime to feel empowered.

It is important for a crime victim to share his or her feelings with others to promote emotional healing.
It is important for a crime victim to share his or her feelings with others to promote emotional healing.

Another tip for crime victims involves the media. If a person has been a victim of a high-profile crime, he may be approached for interviews by television, newspaper, and magazine reporters. It is important for a crime victim to understand that he has the right to refuse interviews if the idea makes him uncomfortable. He may also protect himself from intrusive questions by appointing a particular person to answer media questions on his behalf. Additionally, the families of victims typically have the right to exclude reporters from funerals and report them to police if they are exhibiting harassing behavior.

Crime victims may be psychologically traumatized by their ordeal.
Crime victims may be psychologically traumatized by their ordeal.

Crime victims may also need time to grieve after they have been victims of a crime; it is unrealistic to expect that a crime victim will forget what has happened and go on as if he has not been affected. It is normal to feel a range of emotions after being victimized, including, shock, anger, embarrassment, fear, and sadness. Speaking with others about these emotions may help a person to heal after a crime. For example, a crime victim may share his feelings with family members and friends, but joining a crime victim support group may prove helpful as well. Additionally, a crime victim may benefit from the help of a professional counselor who has experience with crime victims.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

Report the crime and get counseling from a person who specializes in the field. Even after the crime is reported, the person may feel victimized all over again if the justice system does not move very quickly, or seems to ignore the incident.

Getting victims' counseling can help a person let go of being a victim and process the emotions and ugliness so it doesn't continue to control their lives. It's a vital part of dealing with a crime, in my opinion. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's an important thing to do.

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    • It is important for a crime victim to share his or her feelings with others to promote emotional healing.
      By: anoli
      It is important for a crime victim to share his or her feelings with others to promote emotional healing.
    • Crime victims may be psychologically traumatized by their ordeal.
      By: Astrid Gast
      Crime victims may be psychologically traumatized by their ordeal.
    • Criminal victims should be open about their experiences to prevent further emotional damage.
      By: bertys30
      Criminal victims should be open about their experiences to prevent further emotional damage.
    • Crime victim support groups provide a safe environment for people to share details of their trauma.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Crime victim support groups provide a safe environment for people to share details of their trauma.