Surviving the Trauma of Criminal Victimisation: Coping Strategies and Recovery
Crime is a Concern in the Caribbean
Crime is a pressing concern in Barbados and the wider Caribbean region, with one of the highest violent crime rates in the Americas. As a family therapist, I have encountered numerous individuals who have personally experienced or know someone affected by crime. Within our practice, we have worked with clients who have survived various crimes. As a relational therapy centre, we often support families grappling with the aftermath of criminal incidents in Barbados and other places in the region, like Jamaica and Trinidad. Being a victim of a crime can be profoundly traumatising for all involved, disrupting one's sense of safety and predictability.
The Trauma of Crime
Crimes are intrusive and violating events, particularly in spaces typically deemed safe and secure. For instance, I worked with a woman whose family experienced a break-in, and she expressed an aversion to visiting certain rooms or touching familiar items due to the lingering sense of intrusion. One client even discarded soft furnishings, fearing contamination from the intruder. Furthermore, crime erodes our general trust in others, shattering the fundamental belief that people can be relied upon, thus undermining our perception of the social world.
Emotional Fallout
In addition to the loss of safety and trust, the experience of crime triggers a range of negative emotions. Shock, anger, disgust, and fear are common reactions. Many clients I've worked with have described a delayed onset of these emotions, as trauma activates the limbic system, often leaving individuals numb in the immediate aftermath. It's typical for the event's gravity and associated feelings to surface later.
Facilitating Recovery
Stabilising and supporting survivors of crime involves various therapeutic approaches. One vital aspect is helping individuals overcome self-blame, as it often hinders them from sharing their experiences, seeking help, or reporting the crime to authorities. Shifting the narrative from self-blame to recognising their powerlessness in the situation and understanding how their actions—such as not resisting, freezing, or complying with the criminal's demands—were acts of self-preservation is transformative. For instance, I recall working with a man who blamed himself for not protecting his family during a home robbery. Through exploration, he realised that his quick thinking and cooperation prevented further harm and ensured the safety of his loved ones.
Normalising and Validating Emotional Experiences
Survivors of crime often benefit from having their emotional experiences normalised and validated. It is entirely normal to experience a range of physiological and emotional reactions, given the violation and loss of safety endured. Feelings of anger, fear, numbness, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, and heightened stress are all expected responses. Assuring individuals that these reactions are typical can provide tremendous relief.
Self-Care and Recovery
After the intense activation and hyperarousal experienced during a crime, it is crucial to take a slower approach to allow for recovery. Engaging in basic self-care strategies such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and staying hydrated can significantly support the healing process. As the limbic system returns to equilibrium, individuals often experience significant improvement.
Hope in the Recovery Process
While crime remains a serious concern in Barbados and the region, there is hope for recovery. Addressing self-blame, normalising emotional experiences, and engaging in self-care are key steps toward healing and regaining a sense of security. Through therapeutic support and resilience, individuals can navigate the aftermath of criminal victimization and find solace in reclaiming their lives.
Gradual Recovery
Crime's traumatic impact on individuals cannot be underestimated. Violations of personal safety and trust can profoundly disrupt one's well-being. However, individuals can gradually recover from the trauma of criminal victimisation by acknowledging the emotional fallout, receiving validation and support, and fostering self-care practices. Need help in your recovery, contact our office for an initial free consult.
Jomo Phillips, Couple & Family Therapist
