VICTIMS of crime are being helped on the road to recovery through a new DVD created by Footscray’s Western Region Health Centre.
Staff from the centre’s ‘victims assistance and counselling program’ have been working closely with crime victims to create Once Upon a Crime, a three-minute animation launched last Friday.
CEO Lyn Morgain said information about symptoms of trauma helped normalise reactions and assist people to understand the distress and confusion they often felt after a traumatic event.
“Without information about the symptoms, people can withdraw, experience isolation and difficulty concentrating, and be reluctant to return to everyday activities,” she said.
Victims of crime advocate Kornelia Zimmer said early post-crime stages were difficult and overwhelming.
“The DVD gives victims a better understanding of their emotions, to feel supported, understood and, most importantly, no longer isolated,” she said. The DVD is free at wrhc.com.au/vacp to people experiencing trauma, or for a fee to professionals.
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, phone Victims Helpline, 1800 819 817 (8am-11pm weekdays) or WRHC’s Victims Assistance , 8398 4178.
