Honor heroes who help victims
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More and more, we are recognizing the lifelong implications of childhood experiences. Of children who have been victimized, almost two-thirds (64.5 percent) have been victimized more than once in their lifetime. These repeatedly victimized children are at increased risk for adversity and distress, which is why we need comprehensive victim-centered assessment and care. Without this, many of these children will be further victimized or go on to commit crimes themselves, continuing the victim-perpetrator cycle. Children and teens are at risk for a wide variety of victimization— abuse or neglect in the home, bullying or dating violence at school, sexual abuse or exploitation, or exposure to violence at home or in the street.
Polyvictimization occurs when an individual experiences multiple forms of victimization such as bullying at school and abuse in the home. While a single victimization event can cause harm, research shows that polyvictimization causes greater and longer lasting harm than exposure to one type of crime or abuse. This remains true even if the one type of crime or abuse happens repeatedly over time. Polyvictimized children often face substantial threats to safety, stability, and support in their home, school, and community. Living in a constant atmosphere of stress and adversity is believed to limit children’s self-esteem, ability to cope, and sense of control. Polyvictims show much higher levels of distress, including anxiety, depression, anger, and PTSD. They are also more likely to experience other hardships throughout their lifetime including illnesses, accidents, family unemployment, parental substance abuse, and mental illness. This increases the likelihood that they will commit crimes as an adult.
This growing understanding of polyvictimization has important implications for the way we respond to child and teen victims. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 10-16, offers an opportunity to increase awareness of this issue, reach and serve polyvictimized children, and develop a more evidence-informed approach. The well-being of today’s children, and tomorrow’s adults, depends on it.
SAFE Harbor hopes that everyone will consider the needs of victims in the community, as well as the heroes who assist them on a daily basis. This week and throughout the year, we encourage the community to help us honor the heroes around us from law enforcement, the hospitals, the justice system, non-profits, churches and all service agencies who help victims as they move forward in life.
