Primary victims are those who have directly witnessed a crime and may suffer post traumatic stress disorder as a result. Secondary victims may become anxious and afraid after watching violent TV programs or hearing adults discuss personal experiences.
Warning Signs in Children and How You Can Help
If your child has been a direct or indirect victim of crime, watch for the following symptoms:
- Nightmares and bedwetting,
- Constantly worrying about parents
- Crying
- Drop in school grades
- Very afraid of strangers
- Exhaustion
- Inability to concentrate and memory loss
- Aggressive behavior toward family or at school
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Immune system weakness
Trauma counseling centers and child psychologists offer services in counseling children traumatized by crime. Your child will be taken through the incident by the professional in a safe and reassuring environment.
Young children may find it difficult to verbalize how they feel. Counselors often use other methods like play and art therapy to help children express their feelings. Improvement in the child is usually seen in about six weeks.
Parents are also encouraged to get involved and play an active role in the child’s therapy. You can also help create a secure environment at home by installing an alarm system, and fitting security gates or burglar bars on opening windows.
How to Talk to Your Child about Crime
The level of crime in society today is too high to simply ignore. Communicate with your child at his level of understanding to create awareness and help him cope with his fears.
Age Three to Six Years
- Separate realism from fantasy but don’t give unnecessary details.
- If your child has been a victim of crime, give lots of love and support through physical contact.
- Control the DVDs and actuality programs your child is exposed to.
- Don’t discuss crime incidents with other adults if there are small children present.
- Display emergency telephone numbers and explain where panic buttons are located and what they are used for.
Age Seven to Twelve Years
- Answer questions honestly but give only necessary details.
- If you have been a victim of crime, get counseling to help you cope with your emotions. An overanxious parent results in an overanxious child.
- Display emergency and other contact numbers.
- “Don’t talk to strangers/let strangers in the house” isn’t old-fashioned, it’s sensible.
Teenagers
- Teens are very aware of crime and the consequences, so don’t try to hide things.
- If your teen has been a victim of crime, encourage her to see a counselor. Teens often need reassurance that it’s okay to ask for help
- Show them how to activate or deactivate the home alarm system in case of emergencies.
- Show support and love in other ways - most teenagers don’t like being cuddled by their parents.
Don’t underestimate the effect that post traumatic stress can have on your child. Even though he may seem like he is coping with the situation or incident, look for signs that may indicate otherwise. Getting the right help is the first step towards a full recovery.
 |
