Victimization is the event or incident leading to a victim state. Victimizing events tend to be of high intensity and short duration (e.g., robbery, assault, serious accident, sudden death). Essentially, there are three stages of victimization:

1. Impact – Initial Reaction

• Signs and symptoms of stress to traumatic events such as shock, numbness, helplessness, vulnerability, disorientation, perspiration, physical agitation, disbelief, anger, fear, frustration, confusion, guilt, grief, etc.

2. Recoil

• Cognitive attempts to deal with the event
• Denial – trying to go on as though nothing has happened
• Blaming others
• Self-blame – “I must have deserved this”
• Obsessive – repeated return to the event and its ramifications
• Compensatory fantasies and planning – phobic reactions

3. Reorganization

• Return to a state of equilibrium
• Victim calls upon supports for help
• Focus on life-enhancing rather than simply existing
• Obsessive fears and reactions are modulated
• Victim is better able to cope with occasional flashbacks

Secondary victimization may occur because the victim is subjected to someone who:

• Cannot comprehend what the victim is struggling with
• Minimizes or disparages the experience and feelings of the victim
• Is in denial of their own losses and therefore it is difficult to recognize someone else’s suffering
• Lacks relevant information about post-traumatic stress disorder
• Believes in the “Just World Theory” that says the world is rational and the consequences are in accordance with justice (people get what they deserve)