How the Bible Can Help Victims of Crime

If you have been a victim of crime, even hearing about the topic might cause anxiety. It is only natural to feel that way. A criminal act can leave the victim with deep emotional scars. For many, life may never be the same again.

“After the robbery, I lived in fear. I was constantly on edge and struggled to sleep. All of it drained me mentally and emotionally. Sometimes I still react to everyday situations as if they were threats. I see danger where others simply see normal life.”—Efraín, from Venezuela, who was in a bank while it was being robbed.

Each victim of crime processes the trauma in hisa own way and at his own pace. Are you struggling emotionally because of something that happened to you? If so, the Bible offers guidance, hope, and comfort. Consider five suggestions that can help you during the recovery process.

What you can do

1. Seek support.

What this means for you: Trauma is a very heavy load to carry alone.

What you can do: Seek out family, friends, or others who could offer a listening ear and “a good word” of compassion and encouragement. Talking can help you process your feelings and give others insight into your needs. You may also benefit from speaking to a mental health professional who specializes in trauma. You might be able to get such help, and possibly legal assistance as well, from government agencies or similar organizations. But because people cope differently, each individual should decide for himself if he would like to talk, and if so, to whom.

“We went for trauma counseling. Personally, I prefer to speak openly about the ordeal. It’s overwhelming at times, but I find that talking about it makes me feel better.”—Refiloe, from South Africa, who was carjacked and held at gunpoint for several hours.

2. Be patient as you deal with your feelings.

What this means for you: After such a traumatic event, it is natural to experience a flood of confusing emotions—fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, and even shame or guilt.

“I felt as if I had failed to protect my family. I blamed myself for not realizing sooner that the ‘police’ who stopped us were actually carjackers.”—Eatile, the husband of Refiloe, quoted earlier.

What you can do: Be patient as you work through these feelings. Allow yourself to cry. Do not blame yourself, just as you would not blame someone else who became a victim. Instead, imagine what you would say to a friend going through a similar ordeal. Then apply that same advice to yourself. On the other hand, you may also feel angry and want revenge. Of course, it is not wrong to seek legal action. But do your best to let go of unhealthy thoughts, such as revenge fantasies. Dwelling on them can hinder your recovery.

3. Care for your health.

What this means for you: Caring for your physical and mental health is an act of kindness to yourself.

What you can do: Without putting too much pressure on yourself, try to get back into a normal routine. Eat regularly, and make healthy food choices. Stay active, preferably by getting some exercise. Many have reduced their stress by connecting with nature, such as by walking outdoors and taking in the natural surroundings. Others have found similar benefits by doing something creative, such as artwork, crafts, or writing.

Of course, balance is key. For example, be careful not to exercise excessively, and get enough rest. It is fine to spend some time alone, but avoid isolating yourself or relieving emotional pain by drinking alcohol or by taking medication without medical supervision.

4. Be appreciative.

What this means for you: Make a conscious effort to appreciate the good things in your life.

What you can do: At first, showing appreciation may simply feel impossible, but it does not require that you ignore what happened or how it affected you. Start by acknowledging negative feelings, but try not to dwell on them. Instead, learn to appreciate good things, no matter how small—things like a comfortable chair or a good meal. Remember to pray about things you are thankful for. Research shows that victims who cultivate appreciation for the good in their lives often cope better and even experience increased happiness and improved physical health.

5. Look to the future with hope.

What this means for you: Having a clear hope for the future can stabilize and strengthen you.

What you can do: You may be helped by those who reassure you that the emotional pain will not last forever, that recovery is possible, and that life can eventually be good again. Yet, there is a more profound hope that can make a difference on a deeper level. This unique hope, found in the Bible, is based on a promise from our Creator to remove all sources of trauma and their effects. To learn more about this hope, see the box “The Promise of a Crime-Free World.” By keeping this hope firmly in mind, you can truly have “an anchor for the soul.”

“God assures us that the day will come when no one will be afraid and when there will be no weapons, tears, or pain. That is a hope I treasure with all my heart.”—Efraín, quoted earlier.

Helping victims of crime

How can you help a loved one who has been affected by a traumatic event? Remember, recovery takes time. Therefore, be ready to offer ongoing support.

• Express your sympathy and your willingness to help

• Assure him that he is not at fault

• Avoid saying: “You should have . . .”

• Listen with empathy, and give him your full attention

• Offer practical help, but let him decide what he needs

• Be patient—don’t take it personally if he gets irritable or upset