Crime affects different people in different ways. The way you feel might change from day to day.

What you are feeling and experiencing are normal reactions to an abnormal and distressing event.

Common reactions

Some common reactions include:

  • headaches
  • nausea
  • sleep problems or fatigue
  • jumpiness
  • repeated thoughts of the event.

How you might feel

You might have feelings that come and go, like:

  • guilt
  • fear
  • anger
  • blame
  • sadness
  • confusion
  • disoriented
  • helplessness.

Other things you might notice

Your day-to-day life might be affected by:

  • trouble with your concentration or memory
  • reduced performance at work or school
  • withdrawing from others
  • feeling like you’ve lost control.

Some people can also experience depression or anxiety.

How long will this last?

In most cases these reactions are temporary.

With support from family and friends, most people recover from the incident in a few weeks or months.

Others can find the recovery process more difficult.

Learn more about how to support someone who has been the victim of a crime.

Looking after yourself

It's important to look after yourself and get the support and treament you need. There are free support services that can help you mange the effects of crime.