Any man, woman or child who is a victim of a crime, should seek the aid of an advocate. Knowledge is power; power is control; control will help you to not feel like a victim and become a voice in the solution that will heal your body and psyche.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Questions
Questions are a huge deal when you have been involved in a situation that has you going from a person in control of your live to person who now carries the term 'Victim'. Yeah - it has been over two years and I am still attempting to accept that term. Bitter? Today I am just a bit.
Back to Questions. I must have been a really annoying person to all involved in my situation. I was calling anyone and everyone who would listen, and asking questions. I had questions for the sheriff's department, the fire department, the hospital where I was taken, and even the tow company who handled the removal of our vehicles. I think I needed to feel like I was actively involved in this mess. I got very few answers. Everyone seemed to be pacifying me. I got nowhere fast.
It wasn't until the Victim's Advocates group got involved that I got true answers. A few things started falling into place and my mind could begin to organize it's self. Unfortunately, it was almost a year from the time of my accident before that happened.
One question that I had and I still have is -
Why is it that the man who hit me (car accident) was drunk, admittedly drunk, and had failed all the test given at the wreck site by both the paramedics and the sheriff deputy, was not detained and taken to jail? This question is still bothering me a bit. I watch the morning news and hear, almost daily, that an accident was caused by an impaired driver. And these drivers were 'detained'. Why not in my case.
Although I don't have my answer yet, only excuses, I will go back to checking this out. Just to satisfy one of those nags that still hang around in my head. And when I get answers, I will share the reason or excuses.
Back to Questions. I must have been a really annoying person to all involved in my situation. I was calling anyone and everyone who would listen, and asking questions. I had questions for the sheriff's department, the fire department, the hospital where I was taken, and even the tow company who handled the removal of our vehicles. I think I needed to feel like I was actively involved in this mess. I got very few answers. Everyone seemed to be pacifying me. I got nowhere fast.
It wasn't until the Victim's Advocates group got involved that I got true answers. A few things started falling into place and my mind could begin to organize it's self. Unfortunately, it was almost a year from the time of my accident before that happened.
One question that I had and I still have is -
Why is it that the man who hit me (car accident) was drunk, admittedly drunk, and had failed all the test given at the wreck site by both the paramedics and the sheriff deputy, was not detained and taken to jail? This question is still bothering me a bit. I watch the morning news and hear, almost daily, that an accident was caused by an impaired driver. And these drivers were 'detained'. Why not in my case.
Although I don't have my answer yet, only excuses, I will go back to checking this out. Just to satisfy one of those nags that still hang around in my head. And when I get answers, I will share the reason or excuses.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Simple Quotes
Again, I find that I just need those few words that help get by. This one taken from a report done in 2004, by National Victims' Constitutional Amendment Network. I believe it is worth sharing.
“On February 5, I changed from a law-abiding citizen with a childlike belief in the criminal justice system to a law-abiding citizen awakened to the reality of the world of crime, criminal rights, and injustice for victims.” A Victim [President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime
“On February 5, I changed from a law-abiding citizen with a childlike belief in the criminal justice system to a law-abiding citizen awakened to the reality of the world of crime, criminal rights, and injustice for victims.” A Victim [President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas
I truly hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season. Take an other lesson from Santa and enjoy.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Be Prepared For The Holidays
It is always a good idea to be prepared for the holidays. Taking a walk on the beach will help clear your mind, relax your body and give you a mild work out also.
Take a little lesson from good ole Saint Nick
Take a little lesson from good ole Saint Nick
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Trama Recovery Tips
This is a very helpful little something that is posted by Arizona Attorney General Website.
TRAUMA RECOVERY TIPS
Talk. Unspeakable trauma becomes more manageable when it is verbalized. Try to find words to describe your reaction and share them with someone you trust. If you can’t talk with someone, write in a journal or diary.·
Recognize that thinking ability may be compromised. It is natural that in these circumstances, one’s ability to concentrate is limited. Employers must recognize this and accommodate.·
onor individual differences in trauma reaction. Your way is not the only way. People bring their full life experiences to the events of September 11, 2001. It is not useful to tell others how to handle their own trauma. For example, telling someone he or she must be strong is useless. People are coping the best they can.·
Recognize the value of tears. Tears are simply a tender tribute to mourning. They are a natural reaction of men, women, and children to internal stress. They remove unhealthy stress-related toxins from the body.·
Reach out to those more directly affected. Call those you know who are affected, even if distantly affected. Perhaps invite them over for dinner or take them a meal. Listen exquisitely. They may say the same things over and over again. Honor these experiences by listening rather than giving advice or telling them that things could have been worse.·
Limit television and radio. Turn it on only occasionally and then go for a walk or put on some calming music to remind yourself that most of the people in the world and in your community are good. Human goodwill and kindness illuminate the darkness even as a single candle can pierce the darkness.·
Do something to help. Donate blood. Send money to the American Red Cross or one of the other organizations that are helping directly. Fly an American flag or put a candle in your window to affirm your commitment that darkness will not overcome the light. Plant a tree or perennial plant to remind yourself at next year’s anniversary that life prevails.
Utilize spiritual resources. Attend church, synagogue, mosque or other faith community services or vigils. Be authentic with the God of your understanding.
Seek professional support. Additional trauma support, counseling and resources are available with the following organizations.
Coalition of victim assistance organizations providing this information include:
California Crime Victim Compensation Board, Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Office, National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, National Association of VOCA Administrators, National Center for Victims of Crime, National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Additional information and trauma recovery tips can be found at
National Center for Victims of Crime
Parents of Murdered Children
National Organization for Victim Assistance
Arizona Attorney General's Office.
TRAUMA RECOVERY TIPS
From America’s Leading Crime Victim Assistance Organizations
No American will go untouched - whether directly or indirectly -- by the devastating terrorist attacks that took place recently and which swept the hearts and minds of citizens across the nation. Many people will experience a variety of reactions to the trauma and the unforgettable images from the tragedy, including feeling numb, angry, sleepless and helpless. The following tips may help you cope with the emotions and grief.·Talk. Unspeakable trauma becomes more manageable when it is verbalized. Try to find words to describe your reaction and share them with someone you trust. If you can’t talk with someone, write in a journal or diary.·
Recognize that thinking ability may be compromised. It is natural that in these circumstances, one’s ability to concentrate is limited. Employers must recognize this and accommodate.·
onor individual differences in trauma reaction. Your way is not the only way. People bring their full life experiences to the events of September 11, 2001. It is not useful to tell others how to handle their own trauma. For example, telling someone he or she must be strong is useless. People are coping the best they can.·
Recognize the value of tears. Tears are simply a tender tribute to mourning. They are a natural reaction of men, women, and children to internal stress. They remove unhealthy stress-related toxins from the body.·
Reach out to those more directly affected. Call those you know who are affected, even if distantly affected. Perhaps invite them over for dinner or take them a meal. Listen exquisitely. They may say the same things over and over again. Honor these experiences by listening rather than giving advice or telling them that things could have been worse.·
Limit television and radio. Turn it on only occasionally and then go for a walk or put on some calming music to remind yourself that most of the people in the world and in your community are good. Human goodwill and kindness illuminate the darkness even as a single candle can pierce the darkness.·
Do something to help. Donate blood. Send money to the American Red Cross or one of the other organizations that are helping directly. Fly an American flag or put a candle in your window to affirm your commitment that darkness will not overcome the light. Plant a tree or perennial plant to remind yourself at next year’s anniversary that life prevails.
Utilize spiritual resources. Attend church, synagogue, mosque or other faith community services or vigils. Be authentic with the God of your understanding.
Seek professional support. Additional trauma support, counseling and resources are available with the following organizations.
Coalition of victim assistance organizations providing this information include:
California Crime Victim Compensation Board, Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Office, National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, National Association of VOCA Administrators, National Center for Victims of Crime, National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Additional information and trauma recovery tips can be found at
National Center for Victims of Crime
Parents of Murdered Children
National Organization for Victim Assistance
Arizona Attorney General's Office.
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