Robbery
If You Are the Victim of a Robbery
A robbery can be a frightening, life-threatening situation. How victims react to robbery varies from person to person. Although you may feel as if you are the only one experiencing these feelings and that no one else can understand what you are going through, remember that your reactions are normal.
Your reactions may be immediate and short-lived or delayed and long-lasting. You may feel vulnerable and believe that you have lost control of your life. Even though you did nothing wrong, you may feel guilt that perhaps something you did led to the robbery. You may feel intense sadness and grief over lost possessions.
You may fear that the robber will return. You may have nightmares or flashbacks about the robbery. You may find that you startle more easily at little noises or abrupt movements. You may feel nervous in some crowds or very suspicious of strangers. You may feel angry at the perpetrator. You may also be angry with the police and the criminal justice system for not doing enough.
Whatever your reactions, it is important for you to deal with and resolve your crisis in your own way and at your own pace. Not everyone reassembles his or her life in the same way or within the same timeframe. Many victims find it helpful to talk with others about the robbery and their reaction. As victims talk about the robbery, over time they learn to put the incident into perspective and begin to cope with its consequences.
Where Can You Get Help?
As the victim of a robbery, you are not alone. Our advocates can help you learn about your rights as a crime victim.
Although the Indiana Violent Crime Compensation Fund do not reimburse for stolen cash or stolen or damaged property, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain expenses related to the robbery, such as medical or counseling expenses and lost wages. To be eligible for these funds, you must report the robbery to the police in cooperation with the criminal justice system. Our advocates can help you determine your eligibility and complete compensation applications.
It is important to record the expenses you incurred as a result of the robbery. If the offender is convicted, a judge might order restitution, which requires the offender to repay the victim for monetary losses resulting from the crime. You may request restitution by completing a victim impact statement. However, note that you may receive no, or only partial, restitution because, in many cases, the defendant may have insufficient assets or income to pay restitution.
A robbery can be a frightening, life-threatening situation. How victims react to robbery varies from person to person. Although you may feel as if you are the only one experiencing these feelings and that no one else can understand what you are going through, remember that your reactions are normal.
Your reactions may be immediate and short-lived or delayed and long-lasting. You may feel vulnerable and believe that you have lost control of your life. Even though you did nothing wrong, you may feel guilt that perhaps something you did led to the robbery. You may feel intense sadness and grief over lost possessions.
You may fear that the robber will return. You may have nightmares or flashbacks about the robbery. You may find that you startle more easily at little noises or abrupt movements. You may feel nervous in some crowds or very suspicious of strangers. You may feel angry at the perpetrator. You may also be angry with the police and the criminal justice system for not doing enough.
Whatever your reactions, it is important for you to deal with and resolve your crisis in your own way and at your own pace. Not everyone reassembles his or her life in the same way or within the same timeframe. Many victims find it helpful to talk with others about the robbery and their reaction. As victims talk about the robbery, over time they learn to put the incident into perspective and begin to cope with its consequences.
Where Can You Get Help?
As the victim of a robbery, you are not alone. Our advocates can help you learn about your rights as a crime victim.
Although the Indiana Violent Crime Compensation Fund do not reimburse for stolen cash or stolen or damaged property, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain expenses related to the robbery, such as medical or counseling expenses and lost wages. To be eligible for these funds, you must report the robbery to the police in cooperation with the criminal justice system. Our advocates can help you determine your eligibility and complete compensation applications.
It is important to record the expenses you incurred as a result of the robbery. If the offender is convicted, a judge might order restitution, which requires the offender to repay the victim for monetary losses resulting from the crime. You may request restitution by completing a victim impact statement. However, note that you may receive no, or only partial, restitution because, in many cases, the defendant may have insufficient assets or income to pay restitution.
| Burglary_Theft_Robbery Fact Sheet.pdf |