Typical victim responses to a robbery can include such reactions as:
Victims' old assumptions about the world have been shattered producing intense feelings of anxiety and helplessness, and a preoccupation with fear of a recurrence of the crime. In addition, there is rage at the offender, sadness over the losses involved, discomfort because of a new sense of vulnerability, fear of loss of control, discomfort over aggressive impulses (especially thoughts of revenge), guilt about not having been able to prevent the crime, humiliation, rejection by others, the belief of others that the crime was somehow partially the victims fault, and an increased suspicion of strangers.
Robbery victims may experience recurrent and intrusive thoughts and dreams of the incident and may also be hyper-alert, starting at little noises or abrupt actions. Changes in eating and sleeping habits are also common. A robbery can be a violent, life-threatening situation and for the victim can incorporate issues of one's own death and fears of leaving loved ones behind.
How victims react to violent crimes such as robbery varies from person to person and is affected by individual factors such as how they usually handle stress and what kind of support systems they have in their lives. Intervention and support after a victim endures a robbery are beneficial for recovery from this crime and its violation of both property and personal safety (Manton & Talbot, 1990). In 1991, an estimated 86,000 robbery victims (4% of all reported robbery victims) were treated by mental health care providers. (Miller, Cohen & Wiersema, 1996).
Although robbery victims may feel as if they are the only ones who are experiencing these feeling and that no one else can understand what they are going through, these reactions are a normal response to an abnormal event. Some reactions may continue for some time or resurface after being triggered by another event. Resolution of crisis reactions after a violent crime is a healing process. It is important for the victim to give him/herself permission to heal at their own pace. Just as everyone reacts to a crisis differently, not everyone recovers from a crisis in the same manner or within the same time frame.
Realizing and accepting that these reactions are normal are the first steps to recovery. Another critical step in recovery for the victim is being able to talk about the experience and any crisis reactions in order to validate feelings and fears. As victims talk about the robbery and their reactions, over time the incident will begin to be put into perspective and be integrated into their life.
Robbery victims are not alone. In most communities, there are victim assistance programs, caring professionals, and support groups comprised of other victims of violent crimes all of whom are there to help by providing assistance, services and referrals. To contact crime victim services in your area, check in the front of your local phone book uner "Community Service Numbers" or "Emergency Assistance Numbers" or call you local county/city prosecutor's office.