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If you have
been the victim of a crime, whether it is assault,
theft, harassment, or even a stolen wallet, it can leave
you feeling violated. Criminal victimization, no matter
how severe, may leave you with a range of emotions
and questions.
Every individual reacts to his or her own
victimization differently. Victims may experience a
variety of physical, mental, and/or emotional responses.
In the aftermath of a crime, people often lose a sense
of power and control that they felt before the incident.
People report feelings of fear, helplessness, anxiety,
guilt, anger, confusion, and many other emotions. Some
people experience insomnia, nightmares, hyper-vigilance,
an increased or decreased appetite, or other physical
symptoms. If the crime was committed by someone you
know, feelings of betrayal and self-blame may occur as
well.
Whether the crime was committed by a stranger or
someone you know, it is important to remember that it
was not your fault and that help is available. The Crime
Victim Assistance Program offers a range of services to
assist you with the aftermath of victimization. Some of
the services include counseling, personal and academic
advocacy, legal and medical accompaniment, and
information on replacing stolen or damaged
property.
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