Victim of Crime
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Prof. Victor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning, 1959.
Being a victim of a crime can be traumatising and have a very direct impact on a person’s mind, body and wellbeing. People who have survived a crime such as (but not limited to) robbery, assault and abuse may have strong emotional and physical reactions to their experience. Each person will respond, react and cope in varying ways. It is important to remember that you can recover and thrive after being a victim of a crime with the right help and support.
Experiences and signs you or someone you care about may need support:
- A sense of ‘reliving’ the crime, through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the crime
- Becoming withdrawn and isolated
- Recurrent thoughts or memories of the crime
- Feeling numb
- Feeling irritable, angry or ‘wound up’
- Feeling low
- Crying easily
- Feeling ‘different’ or disconnected from others
- Changes to sleep or eating habits
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope with the difficult thoughts or feelings.
If you, or someone you care for is experiencing distress after being a victim of crime, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (midday - midnight AEST) or chat online (midday - midnight AEST). We are here to listen.
Support services and resources
NSW
Visit: Victim Services
VIC
Visit: Victims of Crime
WA
Visit: Victims of Crime
SA
Visit: Victim SA
NT
Visit: Support for Victims of Crime
TAS
Visit: Victims of Crime
ACT
Visit: Victim Support
1800 RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Visit: 1800 Respect
Blue Knot Foundation
National centre of excellence for complex trauma. If you have experienced childhood trauma, you can speak with a Blue Knot Helpline trauma counsellor including for support and applications around national redress
Visit: Blue Knot Foundation
Holding on to Hope - Cameron's Story
We’ve all seen the stories of women who are the victims of domestic violence but we rarely hear the voices of the children who are impacted.
Growing up, Cameron not only suffered the loneliness of trying to make sense of his parents’ violent relationship but also the after effects of a devious sexual abuse at the hands of a stranger. His is a story of survival, revived faith in humanity and a passion for music that has helped him find a new hopeful future.