Victims of crime may have strong emotional or physical reactions after the crime. The reactions people have after a crime depend on the person, the crime, and many other factors.
Sometimes, these common reactions can make things victims used to do (such as their jobs) even harder. These reactions can also make dealing with the legal system harder. Crime victims may find talking to a professional, such as a doctor or counselor, helpful. Click here for support and information around these common reactions.
Below are some common reactions to crime.
Common emotional reactions after crime:
- Problems remembering details about the crime (for example, the order in which things happened).
- Problems remembering information people give you after the crime.
- Feeling nervous, fearful, and anxious.
- Feeling hopeless about the future, detached from others, and emotionally numb.
- Decreased interest in everyday activities.
- Feeling jumpy or easily startled, on guard or hyper-alert.
- Having trouble concentrating.
- Having disturbing dreams, memories or flashbacks.
- Feeling irritable or restless
- Having outbursts of anger or rage.
- Emotional swings — such as crying and then laughing.
- Feeling ashamed, betrayed, and isolated.
- Having suicidal thoughts.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Common physical reactions after crime:
- Aches and pains.
- Changes in sleep, appetite and sex drive.
- Being easily startled.
- Having sudden sweating or heart palpitations.
- Having upset stomach, trouble eating, constipation or diarrhea.
- Catching a cold or getting sick more often.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Having severe headaches.
Local Resources
Asian Pacific Development Center
Broad range of services for the Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE)
Services for members of the Colorado Deaf community who are survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Denver Police Department Victim Services
Information, support, and referrals for victims of crime, witnesses, and their families.
Judi's House
Supportive services for children who have lost a loved one.
Maria Droste Counselling Center
Sliding-fee scale mental health services.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Support for victims of drunk driving.
Muslim Family Services of Colorado
Victim advocacy and support services for the Muslim community in Colorado. Emergency assistance, training.
National Alliance of Mental Illness-Colorado
Education, support, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families.
Parents of Murdered Children-Colorado Chapter
Monthly support meetings and other resources for those who have lost a loved one by violence
Victim Services Network (VSN)
A Collaborative of victim service organizations in Denver.
Wings Foundation
Support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
National Resources
Heal Grief
Information, resources, and support for those who have lost a loved one.
Joyful Heart Foundation
Healing, education, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Support for victims of drunk driving.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
National hotline and online hotline (live chat) to support victims of sexual assault.
Victim Connect Resource Center
Victim rights information and resource referrals, helpline (phone and live chat)