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WHAT
TO EXPECT AFTER AN ASSAULT
If you have been the victim
of a bias / hate crime, there are probably a lot of things going on. You may
feel overwhelmed. Hopefully this information will help you to understand what is
happening, and to develop strategies for responding. We further hope this
information will speed your transition from a victim to a survivor.
 | PHYSICAL: |
If you have been injured, you
may need to seek medical attention. Sometimes, because your body has been
assaulted, having anyone touch it--even if the purpose is to help and to heal--
can make you feel tense or out of control. If you are sore or aching, you may
have trouble sleeping, which will make everything seem worse. Your injuries may
serve as a continual reminder of the event. The stress that you are experiencing
may manifest itself physically.
Try to pamper yourself-- do
something that you enjoy. Things which also relax you, like taking a bath,
drinking a cup of tea, spend time with a friend, family or a community member.
You may also find it helpful to watch your favorite TV program or movie,
these are all good ideas.
| EMOTIONAL:
You may feel scared, helpless, angry, or like it is your fault. It is normal
to be very attentive to safety-- making sure that your doors are locked,
looking to see if you are being followed, etc. Many people go over the
events from the incident, trying to figure out what they did wrong to make
it happen. Violence is the responsibility and choice of the perpetrator;
no one deserves violence.
Some people experience
"internalized homophobia", which is the sense that something is
wrong with them for being gay, bisexual, or lesbian for example. We
sometimes begin to buy in to the perpetrator's beliefs that we may have
deserved violence. After an incident it is a good time to connect with
friends, to be supported by your community, and be reminded of the positive
aspects of being who you are. Ask your friends for the help and support you
need-- such as having someone to keep you company, or sleep over at your
house. Talk about your feelings.
You may experience crying
spells or nightmares; this is normal for a survivor to experience and does
not mean that you are overreacting or going crazy. You may wish to
supplement your support system with professional help, or support groups for
survivors of violent crimes.
| POLICE
You should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Your
decision may be based on the severity of the crime, the likelihood the
offender will be arrested, and how the local police will deal with you as a
victim. If you are concerned about how the police will respond, you might
want to find out if there is a Bias/Hate Crimes Officer in your community in
advance. In any event the incident should be reported to law enforcement.
Having someone who you know who does not share your assailant's bias
assist you. Thus making it easier to report the incident and to insure that
you will not be victimized again. If you have medical expenses, have lost
time from work, or need counseling, you may wish to make a victim witness
reports.
Many states have funds available to compensate crime victims, even if
there is never an arrest.
The decision of whether or not to press charges is one that the
Prosecutor's Office/District Attorney's office makes after you file a police
report. If they decide not to press charges, you can ask why. Their decision
may be based on the seriousness of the crime, the kind of evidence, or how
likely they think they are to win in court.
Many states also have laws that permit civil suits-- you can sue the
perpetrator.
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For More Information Contact:
National Alliance of Hate Crimes Investigators Asso.
879 West Park Avenue, Cobblestone Village #161, Ocean Twp. N.J. 07712
Tel: 732-460-0804
FAX: 732-460-0804
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