SEEKING SUPPORT?
The Alliance has compiled
a number of resources
available for survivors,
their friends and families,
and professionals
assisting survivors in
New York City.
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FAQ and Factsheets: NCVC "Get Help" General Information
The Get Help Series provide basic information on a wide range of crime victim topics to increase awareness of the consequences of victimization and the options and resources available to help victims. This information is designed to compliment and enhance the services of victim service professionals. If you need referrals to local victim service providers, call 1-800-FYI-CALL.
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When most people think of rape, they visualize an unknown lunatic violently dragging a defenseless person into a dark alley. This is a very inaccurate portrayal. Almost four out of five rapes are committed by attackers who knew or recognized their victims.
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Victims of campus violence, like all victims of crime, react to their victimizations in many different ways. Immediately after the crime, victims often struggle with feelings of fear, helplessness, confusion, guilt, self-blame, shock, disbelief, denial, anger, shame and numerous other emotions.
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The absence of immediate oversight by parents and caretakers offers college students the freedom to make choices, develop personally and experiment. While these are natural and necessary components of maturation, they also create an environment susceptible to crime and victimization. Incidents of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault and hate crimes are common on today’s college campuses.
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Child abuse does not discriminate. It spans all racial, gender, socio-economic and demographic boundaries. While it may be more likely to be reported and thus reflected in greater numbers of cases involving lower income families, it is by no means a problem limited to members of one economic or racial group.
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Twenty-nine percent of female rape victims in America were younger
than eleven when they were raped (National Center for Victims of Crime & Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992).
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More than 35 million Americans are victimized by crime each year. The consequences of crime frequently extend far beyond the criminal act. All too often victims are left with expenses for medical procedures, physical rehabilitation, counseling and lost wages. It is estimated that crime costs victims $345 billion annually. Although many crime victims and their families have some knowledge about the legal system, they are often unaware that there are two systems of justice available in which to hold the offender accountable—the criminal justice system and the civil justice system.
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Crisis and tragedy often ignite a sense of outrage, sorrow and
concern which can unite citizens with one another in support of a common cause. When a
member of a community becomes a victim of physical or emotional harm, it may serve as a
painful reminder that no individual is immune to such tragedy. A highly publicized violent
crime often precipitates a desire for community members to take extra measures to protect
themselves and their families. During these times of individual, familial, and community
suffering, the movement of community activism for victims' rights is often launched.
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Although crime and victimization rates have steadily declined since the early 1990's, society's perception and fear of crime is still very high. Greater participation between community members and local law enforcement is needed to help ensure that crime and victimization rates continue to decline. Crime prevention is a concept that can help reduce crime and public fear and perception of crime.
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In 1982, the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime included four key recommendations to improve victim services in the parole process.
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The news media can often inflict a "second victimization" upon crime victims or survivors by enhancing their feelings of violation, disorientation, and loss of control. It is important for journalists to understand the emotions felt by victims and survivors, who are often disoriented and confused following a crime. Victims should have the rights when dealing with media that include refusing interviews, limiting the scope of questions, demanding corrections, and the right to anonymity.
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Every state recognizes a special duty to protect children. Across the country, states have defined numerous crimes against children, provided higher levels of punishment for crimes committed against children, required the reporting of crimes against children, and adopted a variety of special laws aimed at reducing the victimization of children.
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Crisis is defined as "a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life" and "a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; a turning point."
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The average yearly loss to female victims of intimate violence in medical expenses is $61,000,000; when broken or stolen property and lost pay is added to the figure it increases to $150,000,000 (Greenfield et al, 1998); when indirect costs are included, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life, another $65,000,000 annually would need to added (Miller, et al, 1996).
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According to the Attorney General’s Family Violence Task Force, references to elder abuse can be traced throughout Greek mythology, the writings of Shakespeare and modern literature. Yet, it has only been in the last twenty years that serious attention has been given to family violence and elder abuse. Perhaps, at least in part, this elevated consciousness can be attributed to the increasing numbers of aging Americans.
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Crime victim compensation is a government program to reimburse victims of violent crimes- such as assault, homicide, rape, and, in some states, burglary - as well as their families for many of their out-of-pocket expenses. Every state has a crime victim compensation program.
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The death of a family member or friend can be a painful, confusing and often frightening experience at any point in one's life. Yet, to suffer this loss as a child brings with it a unique and perhaps more complex set of issues and intricacies. Lack of emotional maturity and limited coping capabilities may render a child emotionally unable to work through the grief that accompanies the death of a loved one.
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When a loved one dies, those left to mourn, or survivors,
often find themselves entangled in a complex web of emotions and reactions. The death of a
loved one can be an overwhelming, frightening and painful experience. The psychological,
social and physical effects of loss are articulated through the practice of grief.
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A hate crime is the victimization of an individual based upon their race, religion, national origin, ethnic identification, gender or sexual orientation.
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In the first ten years of the epidemic, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), has claimed more American lives than the Korean and Vietnam wars combined. It is believed that practically everyone in America has been touched by the AIDS epidemic. This is not news to victim advocates on the front lines who have listened to the concerns expressed by many victims regarding potential HIV exposure. Whether or not cases of HIV transmission to victims have been documented, the fear of exposure is very real.
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While the prevalence and severity of child abuse in the United States has been given an
increasing amount of attention -- attitudes, definitions and statistics continue to vary.
The examination of incest may incite some of the greatest discrepancies, for it remains
one of the most under-reported and least discussed crimes in our nation. An almost
international taboo, incest often remains concealed by the victim because of guilt, shame,
fear, social and familial pressure, as well as coercion by the abuser.
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Society is becoming increasingly aware of male rape.
However, experts believe that current male rape statistics vastly under-represent the
actual number of males age 12 and over who are raped each year. Rape crisis counselors
estimate that while only one in 50 raped women report the crime to the police, the rates
of under-reporting among men are even higher (Brochman, 1991). Until the mid-1980s, most
literature discussed this violent crime in the context of women only. The lack of tracking
of sexual crimes against men and the lack of research about the effects of male rape are
indicative of the attitude held by society at large -- that while male rape occurs, it is
not an acceptable topic for discussion.
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Missing children includes two categories: children who have been taken,
and those who have left. These two categories can be broken down into five
different sub-categories: non-family abductions; family abductions; runaways; throwaways;
and lost, injured, or otherwise missing.
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With the increasing diversity of the U.S. population there is
growing awareness of the need for culturally-specific responses to victims' needs. Victim
service providers need to be aware first of their own possible cultural biases and the
fact that others have widely varying responses to trauma. Providers must then be willing
to learn about various cultures, to attend trainings aimed at developing multicultural
sensitivity, and to mold their treatment practices accordingly.
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The criminal justice system can be
overwhelming, confusing and intimidating for anyone who does not work within the system on
a regular basis. Imagine the response of a crime victim as he or she attempts to navigate
the very imposing "criminal" justice system.
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Criminal victimization can cause both short-term and long-term stress reactions.
When a person survives a crisis such as a violent crime, there may be residual trauma
and stress reactions. Many people who experience long-term stress reactions continue
to function. Those who are unable to function within a normal range, or have
difficulties may be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can
occur at any age.. The estimated prevalence of PTSD among adult Americans is
7.8%, with women (10.4%) twice as likely as men (5%) to have PTSD at some point
in their lives.
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Traumatic events such as rape cause both short-term and long-term stress reactions. Many people who experience long-term stress reactions continue to function at optimal levels. Those who are unable to function at a normal range or have difficulties in one or more areas may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This bulletin discusses Rape-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (RR-PTSD), a form of PTSD suffered by sexual assault and rape victims.
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Our nation's schools, once a protected haven for learning and growth, are no longer safe for teachers or students in many of our nation's communities. From overt violent acts, such as homicide and assaults, to concealed crimes, such as child sexual abuse, violence in schools affects everyone-teachers, parents, children, and the whole community. Many people equate school violence with large urban areas: however, violence has invaded suburban and rural schools as well.
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School crime and violence have reached alarming proportions across the country, causing concerns among victims, their families and educators. The creation of school-based victim service programs is proving to be an effective first step towards assisting victims, as well as developing crime prevention programs. Effective victim assistance programs respond to chronic trauma or the victimization that occurs in everyday life as well as the critical trauma or violent incidents that occur on school grounds and campuses.
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In 1992, the National Women’s Study estimated that
683,000 adult American women are forcibly raped each year (National Center for Victims of
Crime & Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992). According to Bureau of
Justice Statistics data, U.S. male and female residents age 12 and older experienced an
estimated 307,000 rapes and sexual assaults in 1996 (Ringel, 1997). The difference between
the number of rapes in 1992 and the number of rapes and sexual assaults in 1996 reflects
standard statistical error and differences in methodology. One significant methodological
difference is that the National Women’s Study interviewed individuals by
telephone, allowing women greater confidence in their anonymity. The Bureau of Justice
Statistics conducted face-to-face interviews, in some cases with entire families present,
which could have possibly deterred disclosure.
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Teen dating violence is abusive and violent behavior in teen dating relationships.
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he trauma of victimization is a direct
reaction to the aftermath of crime. Crime victims suffer a tremendous amount of physical
and psychological trauma. The primary injuries victims suffer can be grouped into three
distinct categories: physical, financial and emotional. When victims do not receive the
appropriate support and intervention in the aftermath of the crime, they suffer
"secondary" injuries.
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Hospitals spend millions of dollars each year treating victims of crime — including
victims of physical abuse, assault, homicide, rape, aggravated assault and domestic
violence. At an average county hospital, treatment of gunshot wounds can exceed 100
million dollars annually. Hospitals are essential settings for providing
victim assistance and services. Over seventy percent (70%) of reported victims of
aggravated assault, robbery, and forcible rape seek medical treatment in hospital emergency departments.
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The victimization of gays and lesbians based upon their sexual orientation includes harassment, vandalism, robbery, assault, rape and murder. The location of these crimes is not restricted to dark streets leading from gay establishments. Violence against gays and lesbians occurs everywhere: in schools, the workplace, public places and in the home. Those who commit these acts come from all social/economic backgrounds and represent different age groups.
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Violence committed against and committed by
the youth of America is a serious problem. The victimization of youth ranges from child
abuse, child sexual abuse, gang violence and youth-on-youth attacks to hate violence, rape
and murder. In alarming rates, young people are turning to violence to resolve their
problems and to criminal activity as a lifestyle choice. There are many theories about
this type of violence. Some theorists suggest that children learn from their environment--
be it the influence of a crime filled neighborhood, an abusive home, or an isolated rural
area where support services are minimal.
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Violence in America is now invading the workplace, putting at risk the safety, productivity and health of American workers, and this violence appears to be on the increase. Research clearly shows a significant increase in the amount of violence and conflict in the workplace in recent years. In 1992, the Centers for Disease Control declared workplace homicide a serious public health epidemic requiring priority attention by policy makers. Having tripled in the last decade, workplace homicide is the fastest-growing category of murder in the United States and is the leading cause of workplace death for women. In fact, murder and other violent crimes have escalated in the workplace to the point that the U.S. Department of Justice recently proclaimed the workplace the most dangerous place to be in America.
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Violence in America is now invading the workplace, putting at
risk the safety, productivity and health of American workers, and this violence appears to
be on the increase. Research clearly shows a significant increase in the amount of
violence and conflict in the workplace in recent years. In 1992, the Centers for Disease
Control declared workplace homicide a serious public health epidemic requiring priority
attention by policy makers. Having tripled in the last
decade, workplace homicide is the fastest-growing form of murder in the United States
and is the leading cause of workplace death for women. In fact, murder and other violent crimes have escalated in the
workplace to the point that the U.S. Department of Justice recently proclaimed the
workplace the most dangerous place to be in America.
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