The Emotional Impact of Crime (CVAP)

Boundary Setting

August 7, 2024

Published by Okanagan Clinical on August 26, 2024

Awareness and Healing

Being witness to or victim of a crime can, and often does, have lasting emotional impacts. Understanding these emotional impacts and how they influence one’s day-to-day life is essential for moving through the difficulties and towards safety and security. Whether you were the victim of a crime or witnessed the victimization of a family member, friend, or stranger it is likely that your view of the world has been shaken. This can result in feelings of anger, confusion, fear, anxiety, stress, shock, disbelief, numbness, frustration, overwhelm, and more. You may be aware of these feelings, but they may also be subliminal and creep into your interactions, sense of self, and/or assessment of the world around you.

The first step to overcoming such challenges is by being aware of these possible changes in feelings/perceptions. Without awareness they can develop and promote depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other chronic health conditions. Additionally, they can impact one’s interpersonal relationships due to trust issues, self-blame, or worry.

Navigating Challenges and Processes

Working with a mental health professional can help you to identify, process, and alleviate said issues. Moreso, it can prepare you for, or help you during, the legal process. This process can add to the burden of crime by revictimizing the injured and increasing stress. Having someone in your corner to share your thoughts, feelings, hopes, concerns, and distress promotes your best outcome and fortifies your well-being moving forward.