Loading views...

Prepping for Being a Victim of Crime (Part 4): Recovery Protocols

By Marcus Bloom

Editor’s Note: This article covers the recovery phase after a crime. For evidence and working with authorities, see Part 3: Securing Evidence. For the complete series overview, visit our main guide.

Part 4: Recovery Protocols – Healing Emotionally and Financially

The police report is filed. Insurance claims are in process. The immediate administrative tasks are underway. Now comes the longer journey: emotional healing and financial recovery. This phase often takes longer than victims expect, and that’s completely normal.

Understanding Trauma Responses

Being victimized by crime is a traumatic experience. Your brain and body have normal responses to abnormal events. Understanding these responses helps you recognize them and seek appropriate support.

Common Trauma Responses:

Physical:

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Headaches, muscle tension, body aches
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Nausea or digestive issues

Emotional:

  • Fear, anxiety, hypervigilance
  • Anger, irritability, mood swings
  • Sadness, grief, depression
  • Guilt, self-blame, shame
  • Numbness, emotional detachment
  • Feeling overwhelmed or out of control

Cognitive:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Confusion or disorientation

Behavioral:

  • Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the crime
  • Changes in routine or habits
  • Increased substance use
  • Social withdrawal
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Compulsive behaviors (excessive checking locks, etc.)

When Responses Are Normal vs. When to Seek Help:

Most people experience some of these responses after victimization, and they typically decrease over time. However, seek professional help if:

  • Symptoms persist or worsen after several weeks
  • You’re unable to function at work or maintain relationships
  • You’re having thoughts of self-harm
  • You’re using substances to cope
  • You’re experiencing panic attacks
  • Flashbacks are interfering with daily life

Support Resources for Crime Victims

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Many resources exist specifically to help crime victims:

National Resources:

  • National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Victim Connect Resource Center: 1-855-4-VICTIM

Local Resources:

  • Victim advocates at police departments
  • District attorney victim/witness assistance programs
  • Hospital-based victim services
  • Community victim service agencies
  • Mental health centers with trauma-informed care
  • Faith-based counseling services

Online Support:

  • Virtual support groups for crime victims
  • Online therapy platforms with trauma specialists
  • Forums and communities for survivors (use trusted, moderated spaces)

Mental Health Treatment Options

Different approaches work for different people. Here are evidence-based treatments for trauma:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

  • Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns
  • Develops coping skills
  • Widely available and well-researched

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT):

  • Specifically designed for trauma
  • Helps process the traumatic event and its meaning
  • Usually 12 sessions

Prolonged Exposure (PE):

  • Gradually confronts trauma-related memories and situations
  • Reduces avoidance behaviors
  • Highly effective for PTSD

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

  • Uses bilateral stimulation while processing traumatic memories
  • Can produce rapid results for some people
  • Requires specially trained therapist

Group Therapy:

  • Connects you with others who understand
  • Reduces isolation
  • Can be combined with individual therapy

Medication:

  • May be helpful for depression, anxiety, sleep problems
  • Usually most effective combined with therapy
  • Consult with a psychiatrist familiar with trauma

Self-Care During Recovery

Professional support is important, but daily self-care practices also contribute to healing:

Physical Self-Care:

  • Maintain regular sleep schedules
  • Eat regular, nutritious meals
  • Exercise moderately—it helps process stress hormones
  • Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
  • Address physical health issues

Emotional Self-Care:

  • Allow yourself to feel your emotions
  • Journal to process experiences
  • Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
  • Set boundaries on discussing the crime
  • Give yourself permission to take breaks from recovery work

Social Self-Care:

  • Stay connected with supportive people
  • Accept help when offered
  • Be honest about your needs
  • Limit time with people who minimize your experience
  • Join a support group if helpful

Practical Self-Care:

  • Maintain routines as much as possible
  • Break tasks into small, manageable steps
  • Celebrate small accomplishments
  • Delegate when possible
  • Take time off work if needed and available

Financial Recovery

Crime often has financial consequences beyond stolen property:

Hidden Costs of Crime:

  • Medical expenses (ER visits, ongoing treatment)
  • Mental health care
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Temporary lodging if home isn’t safe
  • Transportation to appointments, court dates
  • Childcare during appointments
  • Home security improvements
  • Legal fees
  • Moving expenses

Accessing Financial Help:

  1. Victim Compensation Programs:

    • Cover many out-of-pocket expenses
    • Application required; don’t delay
    • Keep receipts for everything

  2. Insurance:

    • Health insurance for medical and mental health care
    • Homeowners/renters for property losses
    • Auto insurance for vehicle-related crimes
    • Disability insurance for extended work absence

  3. Employer Benefits:

    • Employee assistance programs (EAP) often include free counseling
    • Paid leave or sick time
    • Flexible work arrangements

  4. Community Resources:

    • Victim service agencies may have emergency funds
    • Religious organizations often provide assistance
    • Community foundations may have emergency grants
    • Local charities may help with specific needs

Managing Financial Stress:

  • Create a simple budget focusing on essentials
  • Communicate with creditors about your situation
  • Prioritize bills—what happens if you don’t pay each one?
  • Look into payment plans for medical bills
  • Avoid making major financial decisions while in crisis

Supporting Family Members

Crime affects not just the direct victim but the entire family:

Helping Children Cope:

  • Provide age-appropriate information
  • Reassure them they are safe
  • Maintain routines
  • Allow them to express feelings
  • Watch for behavioral changes
  • Consider play therapy for young children
  • Family counseling can help everyone heal together

When Your Partner Is the Victim:

  • Believe them and validate their experience
  • Don’t push them to “get over it”
  • Educate yourself about trauma
  • Take care of your own mental health
  • Be patient with changes in intimacy or mood
  • Attend couples counseling if helpful

When You’re Supporting a Family Member:

  • You can’t fix it, but your presence matters
  • Listen without judgment or advice-giving
  • Help with practical tasks
  • Respect their pace of recovery
  • Take care of yourself—caregiver burnout is real

Workplace Considerations

Returning to work after victimization can be challenging:

Know Your Rights:

  • FMLA may provide unpaid leave protection
  • ADA may require reasonable accommodations
  • Some states have crime victim leave laws
  • Check your employee handbook for relevant policies

Workplace Accommodations:

  • Flexible schedule for appointments
  • Modified duties during recovery
  • Work from home options
  • Security accommodations if there’s ongoing threat
  • Time off for court dates

Communicating with Your Employer:

  • You don’t have to share details
  • A general statement about being a crime victim may be sufficient
  • HR can often facilitate accommodations
  • Document any agreements in writing

Measuring Recovery Progress

Recovery isn’t linear. There will be good days and setbacks. Here are signs of progress:

Positive Indicators:

  • Symptoms becoming less intense or less frequent
  • Able to function in daily life
  • Sleeping and eating more normally
  • Able to enjoy some activities again
  • Feeling more like yourself
  • Looking toward the future
  • Feeling less controlled by the crime

Normal Setbacks:

  • Anniversaries or reminders triggering symptoms
  • Court dates or investigation updates bringing back feelings
  • News stories about similar crimes causing distress
  • Temporary regression during stress

When Progress Stalls:

  • Reassess treatment approach
  • Consider different therapy modality
  • Discuss medication options
  • Increase support (more frequent sessions, support group)
  • Be patient—healing takes time

Coming up in Part 5: You’re healing, but how do you move forward without letting the crime define you? We’ll cover rebuilding your sense of security, deciding about advocacy, finding meaning, and creating a “new normal” after victimization.