PROFESSIONAL HELP AND CRIME VICTIMS

This study uses a two-wave panel design to examine the role profession al help played in the recovery of crime victims from psychological dis tress. A disproportionate statewide random sample of 664 respondents w as selected for an analysis of crime experience(s), use of professiona l services, and recovery from psychological distress. Respondents part icipated in two telephone interviews conducted 6 months apart. The res ults show that victims of nontrivial crimes had more stressful life ev ents and experienced more distress symptoms than both victims of trivi al crime (kid stuff) and nonvictims. Nontrivial crime victims used pol ice services most often, followed by health-related services and legal services. Victims who used legal services tended to have fewer sympto ms 6-12 months later, and victims who reported using health-related se rvices on a continued basis reported fewer symptoms. Implications for programs and future study are also discussed.