Whether you are a survivor of violent crime or dealing with financial crime victimization, we recognize that all victims experience loss. While there are different kinds of losses, each can be profound, depending upon the perspective of victims and survivors. No one has to right to judge the impact of any given loss in your life.

Wherever you are in the process-from not being able to report the crime to a criminal conviction and sentencing-there are important things to know:

• Emotional trauma is a common element for nearly EVERY victim. Some traumas you never "get over" but you can learn ways to cope.
• The US system of justice is not a speedy process, from before an investigation (IF you get one) to prosecution to incarceration of a perpetrator. The Justice System is deliberately slow at nearly every level. This commonly surprises victims who expect ‘swift justice.’
• It is typical for victims to experience secondary trauma. Secondary trauma is emotional pain caused by the people and processes from whom victims seek help. This can happen because of the system’s slowness, incompetencies and just the fact that you are working with humans.
• Some people around you will not understand your struggle and frustration. This can include family and close friends. It is helpful for some victims to find others like them for support and understanding. This is why there are Crime Victim Specializations.

Find Help

As a victim of crime, you could be entitled to victim advocacy.

Advocates, both professional and volunteer, work to affirm your rights and to provide information and services to victims of crime.

Organized locally, the starting point is a victim advocate in the jurisdiction of the crime. If you are not able to determine a local victim advocate, you can refer to the state network for further information.