TRAUMA
Traumatic experiences can cause psychological wounds that if not treated will cause lasting emotional turmoil. A person battling with emotional turmoil is often perceived as “not coping” by others. Unfortunately a lot of people who are battling to cope feel that it is a sign of weakness on their part and they try to suppress their emotions and pretend that they are coping. This behavior can then cause problems in other areas of their lives, such as in their relationships or jobs. Trauma can cause the disabling of a person’s normal coping mechanisms and at least one of the following effects can then be observed:
| - The person displays an element of resignation |
| -
There is a deep change in
their basic world view |
Trauma counseling or debriefing can help a person to restore a sense of control in their lives and can make a huge impact on their ability to move forward in a positive way. It will also help diffuse feelings of helplessness, anger and depression that may follow victimization. When the intervention happens shortly after the traumatic event, it can help the traumatised person adopt healthy coping strategies and will assist them in moving forward in the shortest possible time.
Traumatic experiences can be crime related, but there are also traumatic experiences that are totally unrelated to crime.
Traumatic
experiences unrelated to crime
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Divorce or marital conflict
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Moving home
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Retrenchment
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Coping with a handicapped child
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Long-term illness
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Failing exams
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Death
of a family member or close friend
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Abortion
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Emotional abuse
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Miscarriage
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Retirement
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