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Burglary - Part 3 of 4
How to Help the Victim of Burglary, Robbery or Assault
It is important, when addressing the needs of the victim of a robbery, assault or burglary, for the you to not minimize the extent of trauma to the victim, the victim’s family or his/her friends and neighbors. In light of the intensity of some other crimes, one might be tempted to minimize these crimes, particularly if the offense is not aggravated (involving the use of a weapon).
However, this time of victimization involves many of the same dynamics as are found in other crimes which might be considered more major. The sense of violation and loss always accompanies these crimes. A woman victim of a burglary, who came home and found that her personal clothing items had been rifled through, said that she was now unable to wear any of these items. It is the invasion of private space that is so offensive.
Also there is usually a material loss. Since these types of crimes, unless aggravated, are lower on the priority of law enforcement, there is often just a report made for insurance purposes and nothing more. The victim is re-offended by the casualness of some law enforcement personnel regarding the apprehension of the offender. The attitude that “the insurance will take care of it” often disturbs the victim. It is important that the you as the victim’s supporter assist with any insurance problems that may occur; however, do not reinforce an “insurance will take care of it” attitude. Insurance does not make it right.
Often there is the loss of items which are not of much material value, but are priceless from the standpoint of treasured mementos and photographs. These are irreplaceable.
Then there is the safety factor. Anyone who has suffered a robbery or a burglary is concerned about its repetition. If the theft has been from a car the victim will probably from then on, without fail, always lock the car. If it is from the home, increased security measures are taken. This type of crime always leaves the victim less free and more cautious, often in a way that may seem overly cautious. If the counseling agent becomes concerned about the victim becoming paranoid, it is important that he/she not minimize the reason for this caution, and deal with it gently with understanding.
Of course, aggravated robbery involves the threat of major injury or even death, and all of the symptoms akin to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be exhibited…shock, fear, anger, nausea, sleeplessness, “unreasonable” fear of others, inability to go to or be in certain places, reliving of the event, etc. It is well for you as a support to the victim to suggest psychological counseling, or the victim’s participation in a trauma support group.
Most jurisdictions now have victim and witness assistance programs either in connection with prosecutor’s offices or law enforcement. Make yourself aware of these programs and assist the victim in making contact. These offices provide information on compensation for loss, as well as on psychological and support programs.
This document was last updated on January 16, 2000. This information is re-printed from the US Dept. of Justice Web-site, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/