NCJ Number
85269
Journal
Victimology Volume: 5 Issue: 2-4 Dated: (1980) Pages: 347-354
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the psychological reactions of 21 persons who sought psychotherapy after experiencing rape, robbery, or assault. It delineates the goals and techniques of psychotherapeutic treatment with violent crime victims, using a rape case as an example, and discusses potential counter-transference problems arising with this population.
Abstract
Victims reported a number of symptoms typical of posttraumatic stress disorder, such as intrusive thoughts and images, nightmares, and irritability, which interfered with life functioning. Victimization also activated potential but previously dormant negative self-images and stimulated problematic ideas. Common themes included rage at the source of their distress, and discomfort over vulnerability. Therapists should help these victims work through their problems, reestablish a sense of competence and control, and restore a sense of purpose and hopefulness about the future. Therapists may experience such counter-transference problems when working with violent crime victims as the potential for blaming the patient, particularly if the victim has been provocative. The best safeguard against counter-transference reactions is an openness to explore and attempts to understand one's own reactions as well as the patient's. Seven references are included. (Author abstract modified)