Special Population: Victims of Crime

Generally, the police will then arrange transportation to an Emergency Room where the person will be evaluated for injuries and physical evidence will be collected. If the person makes a police report and is brought to a hospital, referrals will generally be made to a program that provides support for victims (depending on the community, this may be a Sexual Assault Support Program or Victim of Crime Support Program).

In some communities, the Crisis Program will be relied on to provide the Crisis Intervention needed.  It’s important to get the victim connected with advocacy and supportive therapy and to coordinate these services. Follow up calls by the crisis responder are extremely important in these situations to ensure that the victim has been able to follow through with referrals.

If the individual is calling or being referred due to an event that has triggered memories of previous abuse, it is important that the Crisis Responder listen to the person, help them understand and accept their feelings and help the person take actions to enhance feeling of safety.  Reminding the person that he/she is safe is useful.  Giving the person choices about steps to take helps the person regain a sense of control.