THE VICTIM CENTER

Helping Survivors
Of
Violent & Sexual Crimes

Prevention Education Programs

1041 E Walnut

Springfield MO 65806

Office telephone: (417) 863 7273

24-hour hotline: (417) 863 7233

TTY: (417) 863 1074 Fax: (417) 863 9048

ARE MY FEELINGS NORMAL?
The following are common responses you may feel after the trauma of a violent crime. You may fluctuate between different responses or experience some combination of these.

Denial and disbelief
Shock
Emotional and physical numbness
Confusion and disorientation

Despair and grief
Detachment from your surroundings
Difficulty concentrating
Withdrawal from others
Depression
Guilt ("what if…", "if only…")

Anger and rage
Fear
Hate and revenge
Agitation and anxiety

Quick startle response
Insomnia, nightmares & other sleeping problems
Low tolerance for noise
Restlessness
Forgetfulness
Intrusive thoughts, images and/or flashbacks
Increased need for emotional support
Changes in eating behavior

Family members may react differently from each other and may have different priorities. This may cause tension and conflict.

Some people may be reluctant to approach you and not know what to say.

People may want to protect you, take charge and make decisions for you. Others may want you to make decisions which you are not ready to make.

Feel free to keep control of those decisions you wish to make yourself.

Feel free to delegate to others those decisions and tasks that are a burden. There are many decisions which can be made at a later date if you wish.

Family, friends and neighbors may try to help you, but may unknowingly say or do things that hurt.

From the Criminal Investigation

Law enforcement may not be able to give you all the information you want. Often there are reasons why information is being withheld.

Keep in contact and continue to work in conjunction with law enforcement.

Provide all information related to the crime to the investigators, even if it seems insignificant.

Crime Victims’ Rights

You have the right to be notified of:

Plea agreements;
Changes in court schedules, date, time and place of sentencing;
Release of offender from prison or institution.

Care for Yourself

The following may help you cope with trauma better:

Counseling – Whether or not you decide to report the crime, you should consider seeing a counselor to help you deal with the emotional and practical issues resulting from the crime.

Physical Activity- may work stress out and help improve the quality of your sleep.

Good Nutrition – drink plenty of water and juice and try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and sugar.

Support Network – identify who is available to support you emotionally. It may or may not be friends and family, but knowing who you can go to when you need that support will make it easier.

Crime Victim’s Compensation

The state of Missouri has a fund to reimburse residents who have suffered injuries causing a financial loss due to certain crimes of violence. For specific information or assistance call The Victim Center office at 417 863 7273 or Crime Victims’ Compensation at 800 347 6881.

Compensation may be provided for the following expenses:

1). Loss of earnings or support
2). Funeral expenses
3). Reasonable medical, drug and counseling expenses

The Victim Center can assist victims with this application process.

In the U.S. a violent crime occurred every 19 seconds in 1996.

78% of homicides occur between persons who are related or acquaintances.

In 1996 males were 2 times more likely to experience robbery and aggravated assault than females.

In 50% of all marriages, couples experience at least one incident of assault.

In 1996 only 4 in 10 violent crimes were reported to police.

In Missouri over 51% of traffic deaths are alcohol related.

The Midwest had generally higher rates of violent victimization than the South and Northeast but lower than the West.

To Report:

The Victim Center 417-864-7233

The Victim Center, established in 1976 as a grass roots Rape Crisis center, has developed into a comprehensive victim service organization, serving victims of violent and sexual crime in Springfield and Southwest Missouri.

The mission of The Victim Center is to provide:

prevention education services to help community members avoid victimization;

24-hour crisis intervention to assist victims immediately following trauma;

Counseling for those who have been victimized:

Support to victims and advocacy with the police, criminal justice system, and medical personnel.

As a model program in the state of Missouri, the Center serves our community’s children, adolescents, and adults.

All services provided on a non-discriminatory basis.