Trauma Assessment and Intervention (From National Victim Assistance Academy, P 6.1.1 - 6.1.20, 2000, Anne Seymour, Morna Murray, eds. et al., -- See NCJ 184052)

• NCJ Number: 184063
• Author(s): Dean G. Kilpatrick
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; OVC Resource Ctr
• Publication Series: OVC Others
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the role of victim assistance professionals in assessing and dealing with crime victims’ basic needs.

Abstract

Victims of crime are at increased risk of physical and mental health problems in the days, months, and years following their trauma. Victimization can obliterate the most fundamental assumptions that people rely upon in order to function each day of their lives: that they are immune to harm, that events in this world are predictable and just, and that they are worthwhile, decent individuals. Failure to intervene with crime victims rapidly and appropriately can compound emotional and physical distress resulting from assaultive violence. To minimize these negative effects of crime, service providers should: (1) conduct a core needs assessment; (2) be careful not to retraumatize the victim by the criminal or juvenile justice system processes; (3) address the psychological, social and health effects of trauma identified in the needs assessment; and (4) implement scientifically supported multisession interventions for those in need. In addition to elaborating on these four recommendations, the chapter discusses characteristics of victims most likely to require mental health counseling.