Criminal Justice, What are the affects of victimization on victims and their families - Research Paper Example

This is because they and their families experience long lasting physical, emotional and psychological damage after being treated unjustly. Victims sometimes get to suffer from the effects of victimization for the rest of their lives, the greatest effect being psychological in nature according to Hess and Orthmann (28). The effects of victimization can be felt short term or long term. Whatever the duration that it takes, the negative effects of victimization are often difficult to mitigate according to Lerner and Montada (25).

Victimized people get confused, frustrated, fearful and angry, at worst going through trauma. They forever want answers as to why they experienced whatever happened and why it happened to them. Despite the victims having knowledge of who did that to them and where to go to get help and justice, they always fear and feel insecure. This is because they may not know who to trust and rely on for help and support. Victimized persons and their families suffer a lot physically, psychologically, emotionally and financially (Lerner and Montada 32).

Furthermore, they are sometimes over burdened by the complexity of the criminal justice system. People who are victimized many times find it very difficult to believe and accept that they have become victims of crime and that there is nothing they can do about it. Initially, they make themselves believe that the crime occurred in their dreams and not in reality hence they live in great denial. These reactions may last for some months or even years depending on how traumatized a victim is according to Lerner and Montada (54).

It is common for victims to act like children and get taken care of by other people surrounding them. Victims get emotions like anger, guilt, grief, shame, confusion, frustration and fear. Some victims get angry with their offenders, family members, friends, service providers, the criminal justice system and even themselves. Victims have a strong desire to get even and bring