Special Population: Victims of Crime

Crisis Responders will need to be aware and be knowledgeable about signs of abuse or neglect. Recent victimization or memories of past victimization triggered by an event, often lead individuals to seek crisis assistance.

If the individual is calling or being referred to a Crisis Program because of recent physical or sexual assault, it is important to focus on immediate safety and medical needs.  If the person is at risk of further assault by the abuser or has suffered injuries or has been sexually assaulted, planning for immediate safety is the first step of the intervention. If the person is alone and is unable to get to safe place and is feeling threatened or is injured, police should be called immediately. If, on the other hand, the victim has moved to a safe place (with friend, family or provider) the crisis responder will be able to take the time to help the person make decisions about what to do. If the person is medically stable and safe from further injury, police should be called to take the report and gather evidence at the scene.