Professional Help and Crime Victims

This study uses a two-wave panel design to examine the role professional help played in the recovery of crime victims from psychological distress. A disproportionate statewide random sample of 664 respondents was selected for an analysis of crime experience(s), use of professional services, and recovery from psychological distress. Respondents participated in two telephone interviews conducted 6 months apart. The results show that victims of nontrivial crimes had more stressful life events and experienced more distress symptoms than both victims of trivial crime (kid stuff) and nonvictims. Nontrivial crime victims used police services most often, followed by health-related services and legal services. Victims who used legal services tended to have fewer symptoms 6-12 months later, and victims who reported using health-related services on a continued basis reported fewer symptoms. Implications for programs and future study are also discussed.