Victims and survivors of crime experience sudden trauma that reaches down to the depth of their being. The crimes committed against them often result in bodily physical damage, severe emotional distress and a spiritual crisis. Unfortunately, well-meaning family, friends and social service professionals often miss opportunities to help a survivor of crime heal from the experience and restore their battered lives. And because the criminal justice system is focused on retribution and punishment of the offender, the specific needs of victims and survivors of crime often go unnoticed or are ignored, say survivors.
What then do victims and survivors of crime say they need in the aftermath of a crime?
Immediate AnswersImmediately following a crime, survivors need to know whether or not they are eligible for financial assistance for unexpected and burdensome medical, dental, mental health counseling, funeral/burial, relocation, job training expenses, and loss of income if these needs are the direct result of a crime. There is a one year filing deadline to submit the State of California Victims of Crime Compensation Application. For more information, call the Victim Assistance Program at (800) 777-9229.
Dealing with the Legal System
Helping survivors and family members through the legal system is critical, says Judy Gibson, the mother of a son who was murdered. “I’ve heard many different horror stories of being in the court room where the perpetrators taunt and inflict additional trauma on family members,” says Gibson. “Having someone sit with you during this emotional process is crucial.”
Crime survivors also have a right to know the status of their case, to get honest and accurate information, and to receive assistance if they need to testify in court. They need to learn and understand the law and have legal terms explained. Sometimes victims can secure monetary restitution from the offender. They also can have input into sentencing. The Victim-Witness Assistance Program can inform survivors of all their rights. Emotional and Physical Well-Being
Victims of crime need the support of family, friends and social service professionals to ensure their emotional and physical well-being. Many people who live through violence develop emotional and physical maladies they did not have prior to the crime. Depression, insomnia, a heart condition, digestive problems and diarrhea are among many disorders and illnesses reported. The shock crime victims and family members experience is similar to those who have been in a war zone, says Gibson. Victims of crime need friends and neighbors who can listen to them as they heal from the trauma they’ve been through.
“The path to healing is a very personal journey,” adds Elo Carrillo, coordinator of Victims’ Ministry for the archdiocesan Office of Restorative Justice. In addition to traditional medical care and counseling, Carillo assists survivors to explore a broad array of options to promote healing, such as prayer, meditation, acupuncture, massage, herbal teas, yoga and music. “When the body releases the toxic acidity of a traumatic experience, when the mind is nourished with positive thoughts, when the heart is open to love, our spirit can be restored,” observes Carillo. Read Elo Carrillo’s article on Social Healing for more information. Need for Patience
There’s a tremendous felt need for patience by crime survivors from those who want a victim of crime to heal swiftly. “It has also been my personal experience that people expect you to get over the death of your loved one as quickly as possible and to move on with your life,” says Gibson, whose 20-year-old son was killed in 2002. “We are pressured into returning to “normalcy” whether it is in the home, the work place or in society.” What victims truly need, she says, is understanding, compassion, and “a feeling that people care what has happened to you and your family.” They need lots of time to heal. “One of the biggest fears as parents is that our kid will be forgotten,” adds Gibson. “We fight hard to not let that happen.” Friends and neighbors can help by remembering the birth date and death date of the person who was killed and being especially present to family members who are grieving on those days. A Spiritual Crisis
Victims of crime are often thrust into a spiritual crisis wondering why they or their family members were singled out to be victimized by crime. They need the caring and assistance of their pastor and fellow parishioners to make sense of the cycle of violence that is plaguing society and to comprehend God’s infinite love and concern for them and their family. Each Catholic diocese in California has an Office of Restorative Justice or an Office of Detention Ministry that is staffed by people who want to offer assistance to victims of crime (link to page listing detention ministry contacts). “For me, restorative justice is a spiritually based program,” says Carillo. “Only God can reach way down in there and heal deep wounds.” Find contacts in Detention Ministry Offices throughout the state. Healing Has No Timeline
Survivors of crime say they do not want to be pushed towards forgiving anyone before they are ready. Healing takes place at each person’s own pace. Proponents of restorative justice are cautioned not to tell victims to forgive, but rather to accompany and be sensitive, compassionate and present to a person wherever they are at in their walk towards healing—including listening to feelings of hatred, frustration, sadness, and despair.
“You can feel how you feel. I will protect that,” says Suzanne Neuhaus, victim services specialist at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “No one has the right to attack your feelings.”
Professional Mediation with Perpetrators
Victims deserve the opportunity to talk to their perpetrator through a professional victim-offender mediation process. Victims say they want to tell the person who’s harmed them how they were hurt by the crime. They want to hear an apology. They often wonder “Why me?” and want to know what was the perpetrator’s motivation for the crime. Such a meeting can be very healing, especially for the victim, but also for the offender who is challenged to take responsibility for their crime and the damage it caused. The Victim-Witness Coordinator at the County District Attorney’s Office may be able to arrange such a meeting.
Survivors of crime need the community to rally on their behalf and organize to end the cycle of violence, instead of just perpetuating it. “The community plays a huge role in creating the environment that fosters criminal behavior,” says Neuhaus. “Most of us could look at opportunities where we could make a bigger difference by mentoring one kid, a next door neighbor, a niece or nephew. It takes human relationship to create resiliency. Those who have that are less likely to prey upon others.” Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters is one organization that offers caring adults opportunities to mentor a child who needs positive and encouraging adult role models. Victims or Survivors?
Many victims and survivors of crime have mixed opinions about the use of language and their own identity. Are they victims or are they survivors? Some say that the criminal justice system wants to keep them victimized, angry and unhealed in order to build support for tougher prison sentences or the death penalty for the perpetrators. But many who have experienced crime want to heal their lives, their families and their communities. They may even want to participate in the rehabilitation of the offender. They want to survive the crime and be empowered to have a role in ending the cycle of violence. They need allies and broad community support to help them accomplish the long term goal of healing, restoring justice and creating safe communities. What Else?
What else have you needed as a victim or survivor of crime? Do you have good web sites or other resources to recommend that have helped you get through the aftermath of crime and with your healing journey?
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