Articles to aid crime victims
It has been estimated by the World Health Organization that suicide is the eighth leading cause of death. While more women attempt suicide more men die from suicide by a factor of almost 5:1. Risk factors for suicide include domestic violence, low socioeconomic status, low education, unemployment, increasing age and marriage. Women exposed to violent domestic abuse have been shown to be significantly more likely to be hospitalized with a psychiatric diagnosis, including attempted suicide.
Victims of Crime Counselling Services is attempting to promote a Say No to Criminal Violence Day on the 21st of August of each year. In order to achieve this objective we need support from the public and the media. If you would like to be involved in the promotion and organization of this day kindly contact us.
Post trauma some people go onto to develop certain worldviews including the following:
1. The world is very dangerous.
2. I have no control over situations.
3. I am responsible for what has happened.
Cognitive Therapy aims to modify cognitive distortions arising post trauma thereby reducing the intensity of the associated emotional reaction. It is important that such cognitive distortions are challenged quickly and the victim’s pre-trauma view of the world promoted.
A recent study of multigenerational family members initially exposed to trauma has suggested that the genetic makeup of some individuals makes them more vulnerable to PTSD, depression and anxiety. This study suggested that around 40% of variation shown in PTSD sufferers was acountable in terms of gentic factors and the balance attributable to nongenetic factors. This study also went on to suggest that those suffering from one disorder, such as PTSD, are also more likely due to genetic factors to suffer from the other two disorders, depression and anxiety.
Recent research has suggested that increased arousal, rapid heart and respiration rates, at the time of trauma may predict subsequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Elevated heart rate and respiration rate immediately following a traumatic event are shown to be associated with subsequent PTSD, suggesting a possible starting point for examining the mechanics of this disorder.
Bereavement is often seen as distict from depression and subsequently not warranting the same concern for treatment.
In fact there is little distinction in the depression that occurs as the result of death or as the result of other negative life events. Treatment considerations should be based on such factors as the duration and intensity of the depression, and not necessarily the cause.
It is quit normal to grieve but the possibility of developing depression as the consequence of loss should not be ruled out.
For further information on the treatment of depression contact Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services in Victoria on 1800 00 00 55.
Victims of crime who do not have a trauma or psychiatric history and who have a good support system and reasonable life circumstances and are motivated for treatment are those most likely to benefit from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
When victims present with co-morbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse issues, treatments for PTSD will need to accommodate these factors.
Interventions need to be tailored to individual circumstances and a variety of compimentary approaches may need to be adopted.
For treatment advise contact Victims of Crime Counselling Services in Victoria on 1800 00 00 55.
Approximately 10% of all children in developed countries are victims of abuse.
The impact of such abuse is often long lasting with victims often adopting criminal and addictive behaviours in later life.
Only about half of all suspected child abuse is currently being reported to authorities.
If you are aware that a child is being abuse immediately contact your local Child Protection Authority or Victims of Crime Counselling Services in Victoria on freecall 1800 00 00 55.
Mental health outcomes following serious trauma may be influenced by a strong ’sense of purpose’ by the victim.
If a victim has a sense of a higher purpose in life, and has a sense of control over their life, their chances of recovery post trauma may be enhanced.
Individuals who show resilence, adaptation to disruptions in their lives, and return to their pre trauma level of functioning, are more likely to recover following a serious traumatic event, such as a physical or sexual assault.
Treatment of Postraumatic Stress Disorders should instill a ’sence of purpose and control’ in the victim’s life in order to promote recovery.
For further treatment options kindly contact Victims of Crime Counselling Services.
50% of heart failure patients are depressed during the history of their disease.
Patients with Cardiac Defibrillators are twice as likely to die within 5 years if they also suffer from Posttaumatic Stress Disorder.
Both Clinical Depression and Posttraumatic Stree should be considered in the treatment of patients with heart disease.