(This information is from a pamphlet for victims by the Victims
Assistance Program -- a joint program of the ministry of Attorney
General and Ministry of the Solicitor General in British Columbia,
Canada.)
Breaking entering (B&E) is classified as the most serious
property crime in Canada today. But victims of a B&E can suffer
more than the loss of their property. They may experience strong
feelings, such as anger, fear, and a sense of personal violation.
As a victim of a B&E, you may have feelings that are difficult for
you to deal with and you may feel confused and frustrated by the
police and the court system. You may also want to know how to
protect your home in the future. This pamphlet will answer some
of your questions. It will reassure you that what you are feeling
is completely normal until you some of the ways you can help
yourself cope with this difficult time. It will also tell you
where you can get more help or more information.
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Shock and Disbeleif
You may feel shock and disbelief that something like
this is actually happened to you, they your home has been broken
into and your belongings gone through and stolen.
Sense of Violation
Part of the shock of a B&E is the sense of violation you
may feel. This sense of violation of losses both financial and
emotional. Your privacy and sense of personal security and trust
have been taken away from you, as well as your possessions.
Anger and frustration
Anger at the intruders is a very common feeling. You may feel
frustration because you're not able to express this anger directly
at those who committed the crime. You may also feel frustrated
angry at the police in the court system, especially if the police
have not been able to return fear property or find people who did
this view.
Fear
After a B&E, you may feel that your home is not a safe place
anymore. You may feel uncomfortable being home alone, or worrying
when you're not there. Many people fear that there home will be
broken into again. This may happen, and asking your local police
are victim assistance program at the police station about crime
convention can help to lessen the chances of another B&E happening.
Some people fear that they are being singled out, the most of the
time the fees want you possessions and did not breaking cheer home
because of who were what you are.
Suspicion
Many victims of a B&E find themselves full of suspicion
about strangers in their neighborhoods. Police departments
encourage citizens to phone the police about suspicious persons
or activities.
Stress
After a B&E you may feel a lot of stress, and you may
develop physical symptoms, such is sleeping or eating difficulties.
Anxiety and fear can add to the stress. It can also be stressful
dealing with the frustrations and conditions of the police and the
court system. If you have children, dealing with their feelings
can also be stressful.
Guilt
Victims often feel guilt, as if there might have been
something they could have done to prevent the B&E. Of course,
you are in no way to blame -- when someone else breaks the law it
is not the victims fall.
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Remember that the children will experience the same feelings, but
they may be more intense, and children may have a hard time
expressing their feelings in words. Their fear, anxiety, or anger
may be expressed in changes of behavior. They may have nightmares,
or trouble eating and sleeping. They may go back to earlier
childhood behaviors, such as bedwetting. Some children might
become more aggressive and some might become quite withdrawn.
All of these responses are normal reactions to stress. Do not
hesitate to see your doctor for help in dealing with these
feelings, especially if they go on for a longtime.
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You have been through an experience that is frightening in
disruptive. Remember that what you are feeling is perfectly
normal and that these feelings will pass in time. Meanwhile,
there are some things you can do to make this time easier and
to make things better for yourself in the future.
Looking After Yourself
Dealing with a B&E can be very stressful, so be sure to take
care yourself, both physically and emotionally.
- If you're frightened, get someone to stay at your home with
you, or stay at her friends or with a member of your family.
- Talking about the experience is a very good way to relieve
your feelings. Family and friends can be great support.
- Children will often need special reassurance of this time.
They may be frightened and need to know that their home can once
again be a safe place. Encourage your children to talk about
their feelings.
- For you or your family, signs of stress, such as difficulties
sleeping, depression, or anxiety, will fade with time. In the
meantime, you may want to see your family physician for advice
or referrals.
Remember that help is available. Do not hesitate to ask for
it. For more information content your local victim assistance
program or call the victims information line at 1-800-VICTIMS
(842-8467) -- in Canada. (Please note that this is not a crisis
line. In an emergency, call your local police emergency number.)
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After a B&E you will have to deal with the police and you may also
have to go to court. The police last questions as a part of their
investigation. If a find a person who they think is responsible
for the crime. You may have to go to court as a witness. This can
be a confusing and frightening experience.
There are services to help you, with trained people available to
provide you with information, practical help, and emotional support.
You may be able to get your property returned our get some
compensation from the offender. For more information, ask your
local police or victim assistance program.
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After a B&E, you may want to know how to prevent this from happening
in gain. Making your home or secure can also help you deal with
your feelings of anger, a station, and fear.
Consider becoming involved in your local Block Watch or Neighborhood
Crime Watch Prevention program -- these are excellent ways to help
safegaurd your home. Adding extra outdoor lighting, getting deadbolt
locks on doors, and seeing that sliding doors and windows cannot be
forced or lifted out of their frames are ways that you can make
your home more secure.
There are also many pamphlets with more ideas on home security
available at your local police department or detachment. For more
information, contact your local police or victims assistance
program.
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