The Effects of Violent Victimization on Quality of Life
The effect of violent crime on victims is determined on a case-by-case basis. In general, violent victimization takes a toll on a victim’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The symptoms can manifest immediately or remain dormant. The duration of the effects can vary in timeframe and intensity. They depend on the severity of the violent act as well as other factors. After a violent crime unfolds, a victim’s quality of life suffers. According to research conducted by O’Brien (2010), role functioning and life satisfaction is significantly affected by crime victimization. O’Brien (2010) continues and reports that a large portion of victims who do not report their victimization …show more content…
Stress and anxiety are leading effects of violent victimization. Bennice, Resick, and Mechanic (2003), found that post-traumatic stress disorder is significantly linked to physical and sexual violence. Those suffering from high levels of anxiety tended to adapt their behavior to ease their stress. Kilpatrick and Acierno (2003), found that anxiety among victims of violent crime is profoundly affected. Furthermore, these individuals intentionally avoid associations, and trauma triggers to reduce anxiety levels (Kilpatrick & Acierno, 2003). In other words, victims will avoid places, people, and situations to reduce their fear and anxiety. Some victims go as far as not leaving their homes. This creates further issues in other areas in a victim’s life. Hanson, Sawyer, Begle, and Hubel (2010), state that crime victimization affects the victim’s ability in the workplace. In effect, the loss of wages, work hours, and possible unemployment can contribute to a victim’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Another study further analyzes stress and anxiety caused by victimization. Norris and Kaniasty (1994) identify distress and anxiety as major long-term effects and victims remain more likely to be stressful individuals even after recovery. Stress and anxiety have effects within themselves. According to Henslmaier (2013), victimization reduces overall physical and psychological …show more content…
Many times, victims isolate themselves from others for reasons that may include: embarrassment, distrust, fear, anger, and depression. A study that supports these claims found that non-victims are more likely to have more weekly contact with friends and family compared to victims of violent crime (Golding, Wilsnack, & Cooper, 2002). According to Hanson et al. (2010), the relationships affected by victimization the most are parenting, occupational, and intimate relationships. Criminal victimization diminishes an individual’s agency and negatively affects his or her relationships with others (DeLisi, Jones-Johnson, Johnson, & Hochstetler, 2014). Studying the effects of social relationships in regard to violent crime is crucial. Maintaining healthy social relationships can help victims find the support they
The effect of violent crime on victims is determined on a case-by-case basis. In general, violent victimization takes a toll on a victim’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The symptoms can manifest immediately or remain dormant. The duration of the effects can vary in timeframe and intensity. They depend on the severity of the violent act as well as other factors. After a violent crime unfolds, a victim’s quality of life suffers. According to research conducted by O’Brien (2010), role functioning and life satisfaction is significantly affected by crime victimization. O’Brien (2010) continues and reports that a large portion of victims who do not report their victimization …show more content…
Stress and anxiety are leading effects of violent victimization. Bennice, Resick, and Mechanic (2003), found that post-traumatic stress disorder is significantly linked to physical and sexual violence. Those suffering from high levels of anxiety tended to adapt their behavior to ease their stress. Kilpatrick and Acierno (2003), found that anxiety among victims of violent crime is profoundly affected. Furthermore, these individuals intentionally avoid associations, and trauma triggers to reduce anxiety levels (Kilpatrick & Acierno, 2003). In other words, victims will avoid places, people, and situations to reduce their fear and anxiety. Some victims go as far as not leaving their homes. This creates further issues in other areas in a victim’s life. Hanson, Sawyer, Begle, and Hubel (2010), state that crime victimization affects the victim’s ability in the workplace. In effect, the loss of wages, work hours, and possible unemployment can contribute to a victim’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Another study further analyzes stress and anxiety caused by victimization. Norris and Kaniasty (1994) identify distress and anxiety as major long-term effects and victims remain more likely to be stressful individuals even after recovery. Stress and anxiety have effects within themselves. According to Henslmaier (2013), victimization reduces overall physical and psychological …show more content…
Many times, victims isolate themselves from others for reasons that may include: embarrassment, distrust, fear, anger, and depression. A study that supports these claims found that non-victims are more likely to have more weekly contact with friends and family compared to victims of violent crime (Golding, Wilsnack, & Cooper, 2002). According to Hanson et al. (2010), the relationships affected by victimization the most are parenting, occupational, and intimate relationships. Criminal victimization diminishes an individual’s agency and negatively affects his or her relationships with others (DeLisi, Jones-Johnson, Johnson, & Hochstetler, 2014). Studying the effects of social relationships in regard to violent crime is crucial. Maintaining healthy social relationships can help victims find the support they