ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on the results of a study of the effects of crime on 274 victims of burglary, robbery, and assault. In the study, victims were interviewed twice—once several weeks after the crime and again four months after the crime. The results indicate that victimization initially 1) reduces positive affect; 2) increases negative affect; 3) heightens fear of crime and encourages individuals to take precautions inside and outside their homes; and 4) results in practical problems for the victim. Victims showed substantial improvement on each of these measures over the months following the crime; however, four months after the crime some evidence of the trauma still appeared to be present. Treatment strategies are discussed.
