Web resource:	http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/rs/rep/2003/rr03vic-2/rr03vic-2.pdf
Type:	Report
Title:	Victims' response to trauma and implications for interventions : a selected review and synthesis of the literatureVictims of Crime Research Series
Authors:	Hill, James K
Keywords:	Sexual assault;Health
Year:	2003
Publisher:	Department of Justice Canada
Notes:	General Overview: This paper reviews the literature on victims’ response to trauma and makes recommendations for professionals and for further research. Methods: Literature on the psychological consequences of crime victimisation is reviewed. Where there are gaps in the research, literature in related research areas, such as trauma, is used. Results: This paper reviews how people react to the process of victimisation, focusing on the cognitive element. Common reactions include fear, humiliation, embarrassment, anger, loss, rejection and physical symptoms. Longer term problems include depression, anxiety, hostility, avoidance, alienation, reduced self-esteem and increased need for social support. Post traumatic stress syndrome is common and symptoms include hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, intrusive memories and feelings of anxiety, anger, grief and depression. Cognitive changes or shifts in thinking patterns are examined. In particular, victims may believe that the world is unpredictable, unsafe and unfair. They may be forever changed by their victimisation. The paper considers coping strategies commonly used by victims. Most victims prefer natural supports, such as family and friends, but about 12% seek mental health services for assistance. Other coping strategies include information seeking, activism, avoidance, denial and dissociation. The paper outlines the ways these findings may be used in planning treatment, including Critical Incident Stress Management (a blend of crisis intervention models and group psychological debriefing techniques) and the Transtheoretical Model of Change (involving five stages of different psychological and behavioural processes when faced with change). Conclusion: Trauma associated with criminal behaviour can affect how victims view themselves, their world and their relationships. Their problem-solving ability, coping skills and personal, social and work relationships can all be compromised. However, each victim is different and will react differently to crime. The paper concludes that victims requiring services need to quickly access that assistance and that severity may serve as a guide to matching clients to appropriate interventions. It calls for more research in this area in order to better assist victims.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19031
Physical description:	58 p.
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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