Trauma counsellor Debbi Rozowsky offers this advice.
- Be practical. Crime survivors need peace and time to recover. Enable this by offering lifts or bringing meals for the family.
- Don’t pry. Don’t ask for details of the crime or try to discuss it. Let the survivors talk only when they choose to.
- Ban war talk. Don’t talk about other crimes or your own crime experiences. It will make survivors even more anxious.
- It’s often difficult for crime survivors to concentrate and focus after their trauma. Be patient and don’t pressure them with advice or help.
- A good hug goes a long way - but first ask if your friend wants one.
HELP OTHERS UNDER STRESS
Here’s advice from YOU’s health page.
Support loved ones with depression by listening and encouraging them to be more active. Don’t let them withdraw from people. Suggest you do something together, even if you only go for a short walk. Don’t pressure them if they resist, just ask them again a while later. Also make sure they get enough food and sleep and avoid alcohol. And most important: reduce stress in the home.
