If you are in danger, call 911. If you need to exit this website quickly, click on the ESCAPE button. This button will immediately open a browser window for weather.com and replace your current window with google.com.
Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Help in the Aftermath of a Crime

    Tips for Coping

    Coping in the Aftermath of a Crime

    There are steps you can take when dealing with traumatic events. You may need to give yourself time, and understand that it can be a slow and difficult process.

    Learning to cope as you deal with trauma is important. It is okay to ask for help from people who will listen and care about you. Talk to your family, close friends and others you feel close to and can trust. It may be helpful to locate a support group if you do not have a personal support system. Your local Victim Service Program may be able to assist you. 

    Coping Tips

    • Eating well balanced meals and getting plenty of rest and/or getting involved in healthy activities are ways that you can take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol.

    • Attempt to regain interest in your normal routines, hobbies and enjoyable activities.

    • Avoid making any major life decisions. These types of changes can be very stressful and it may not be the best time to make such decisions.

    • Victims often report that they no longer feel safe or secure. It’s ok to sleep with the lights on, change the locks, carry pepper spray, or ask someone to accompany you after dark. Give yourself permission to do whatever you need to feel safe.

    • Try to remember experiences that have brought you a sense of peace and comfort in the past and experiment with those things now. Listen to soothing music, get a small indoor water fountain, play with pets, or spend time in nature. Try new things, such as keeping a journal, or alternative techniques like breathing exercises or gentle yoga stretches, which can calm and center the body and the mind.

    • You may want to go to your local victim service program, library or bookstore for more information on coping tips.

    Remember, everyone’s journey is unique. Create space to allow yourself to feel whatever range of emotions you are experiencing. Give yourself time in the day to sit and cry, grieve or mourn. Also, give yourself permission to laugh again and  experience joy when the time is right and you are ready.