NCJ Number
101190
Journal
Victimology Volume: 10 Issue: 1-4 Dated: (1985) Pages: 498-511
Date Published
1985
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Reactions of crime victims are considered in relation to the more general topic of reactions to victimization.
Abstract
First, similiarities between reactions to criminal and non-criminal victimizations are discussed in terms of shattered assumptions regarding invulnerability, meaningfulness, and self-worth. Next, differences between responses to criminal and non-criminal victimizations are explored by taking a closer look at these shattered assumptions. It is maintained that being the victim of intentional harm by another person leads to unique challenges to one's beliefs about the world and oneself, and that these in turn result in particular coping difficulties for the crime victim. Further, the nature of crime victims' shattered assumptions suggests a special need for social support, yet it appears that such support is not apt to be forthcoming. (Author abstract)