Support after Crime Services - Help for Victims of Crime, Help for Attack Victims, Support for witnesses to crime, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford
Effects of Crime
It is important to note that the reactions you may experience as a result of crime (victim of crime/witness of crime) are normal reactions to abnormal or traumatic events. Everybody experiences crime differently.
Being a victim of crime may be a new experience in your life. You may be upset at your own personal reactions but please bear in mind ‘there is no rehearsal for being a victim of crime’.
Sometimes it helps to talk to
someone outside the family
Examples of Emotional Symptoms:
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- States of anxiety
- Irrational fear or panic attacks
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Feeling of hostility, resentment or animosity
- Feeling of guilt – Increased moodiness
- Increased cynicism – crying or weeping
- Undue aggression – fear of criticism
- Feeling of depression
- Nightmares
- Feeling of insecurity
Examples of Physical Symptoms:
- Physical tense muscles (aching shoulders, back, etc)
- Erratic breathing
- Sweaty palms
- Cold fingers
- Dry mouth
- Dizzy spells
- Chest palpitations
- High pitched voice
- Knot in stomach
- Nausea
- Frequency of urination
- Diarrhoea
- Stiff jaw
- Restless (pacing)
- Shaky hand
Examples of Behavioural Symptoms:
- Increased smoking or drinking alcohol
- Increased or decreased eating
- Increased or decreased sleeping
- Nail biting
- Hair pulling
- Social withdrawal
- Neglecting looks or hygiene
- Reckless driving
- Knee jiggling, finger tapping, grimacing or other mannerisms
- Non-stop talking
- Obsessive compulsive behaviours (checking locks, needless shopping or washing)
- Workaholism or absenteeism
Victims Reactions to Crime:
- Emotional Physical
- Self-esteem changes
- Environmental Impact
- Post trauma Syndrome
Feelings displayed by:
- Anger
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Phobia
- Depression
Physical:
- Injury
- Change of Lifestyle
- Loss of Independence
Financial:
- Money
- Property
- Personal Items
Emotional Reactions:
- Shock and Disbelief
- Fear and Isolation
- Feelings: tense-nervous-insecure
- Anger
- Guilt
- Sadness
Support After Crime Services covers the following areas - Cork - Limerick - Tipperary - Waterford - Clare
