Treating Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

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There are two main components of Trauma-Specific Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Restructuring and Exposure Therapy. Cognitive Restructuring helps victims to re-evaluate traumatic events. Exposure Therapy helps victims to habituate to the trauma cues. Children’s treatment sessions involve psychoeducation, affect awareness and regulation, coping skills, exposure therapy and planning for future safety. For more information contact…

October 21, 2008

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Young Children

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A recent study found that up to 15% of children can experience PTSD and that this condition does not always resolve spontaneously. PTSD is less obvious in children than in adults as it is more internalized and subtle. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is seen as the most appropriate form of treatment for young children. For more information…

October 21, 2008

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The Psychological Impact of 911.

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It is estimated that up to 100,000 people were involved in the aftermath of the World Trade Centre terrorist attacks. Of these it was estimated that 11% met criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 9% for Depression, 5% for Panic Disorder and 62% for substantial stress reaction. Functional impairment in occupational, social and family life as…

October 21, 2008

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Parenting Styles in Early Childhood Linked to Victimization

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A study has recently shown that harsh parenting, low socioeconomic status and physical aggression by parents leads to a higher risk of further victimization of these children by others. Harsh parenting may cause as well as be a result of a child’s aggression. A child may learn that aggression is a way to get what…

October 21, 2008

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Cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying is the inappropriate use of technology, such as the internet or mobile phones, to cause harm to others. It has been estimated that up to 30% of adolescents are victims of bullying with up to 60% of cybervictims being females. Cyberbullies hide behing the technology and are sometimes difficult to trace. Cyberbullying may be…

September 25, 2008

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Treating Trauma in Children

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It has been recently shown at Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) reduces the psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in children exposed to trauma moreso that other therapies, such as art, play and drug therapies. It is suggested that up to 10% of all childen are exposed to trauma. While most children exposed to trauma go…

September 25, 2008

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Health Risk Behaviours Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

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Victims of crime suffering from Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to engage in behaviours which have adverse health consequences, such as cigarette smoking, alcol and drug abuse as well as poor diet and physical inactivity. 1. PTSD  raises the risk of someone smoking by two-fold. 2. About half of individuals suffering from PTSD will…

August 11, 2008

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Victims of Crime suffering PTSD may be at risk of Heart Disease.

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Postraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. PTSD should be considered just as likely a risk factor as smoking and cholesterol. Over time PTSD increases inflammation which can corrode a peson’s arteries. If you have been a victim of crime and suffering from PTSD you should contact Victims of…

August 11, 2008

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Functional Restoration Therapy

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Functional Restoration Therapy (FRT) is a treatment for trauma related injuries such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder. The principal of FRT is to examine functional changes adopted by individuals suffering from trauma related injuries, such as loss of social functioning, and to subsequently suggest behavioural changes to restore pre-trauma functioning. It is suggested…

July 11, 2008

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What is Depression?

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Depression is a mood state characterized by a general loss of energy and interest in life. We can all feel depresseed at different times in our lives and for different reasons, such as relationship problems or work or school pressures. A depressive disorder is somewhat different and characterized by its severity and duration of symptoms. Common…

July 11, 2008

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What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

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PTSD is an extreme anxiety response following a traumatic event such as sexual or physical assault. Syptoms of PTSD include recurrent thoughts of the traumatic event, flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding reminders of the incident, emotional numbing as well being easily startled and highly vigilant. PTSD can be a very disabling condition and can affect relationships, work and…

July 11, 2008

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Court Support for Victims of Crime

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If you have been called as a witness in a criminal matter and would like some support while at court there is an organization called Court Network which operates within the courts to assist. Staff members of Court Network are volunteers whose role is to provide support to you as well as information about court processes…

June 15, 2008

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Intervention Order

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An Intervention Order is an order that can me made through the magistrates court to protect yourself or your property from someone who is trying to cause you harm. An intevention order is generally given for a period of time and includes restrictions place on the offender. You can seek an Intervention Order directly from…

June 15, 2008

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Victim Impact Statements

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A Victim Impact Statement is a very important document as it allows victims to directly inform the judge or magistrate how they have suffered as a consequence of the criminal act, and the contents of the Victim Impact Statement must be considered by the judge or magistrate when handing down a sentence. The Victim Impact Statement should include…

June 15, 2008

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Compensation from the Offender

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Victims have the right under the Sentencing Act to seek compensation from the offender. Compensation can include pain and suffering endured by the victim as well as property damage sustained.

For further assistance on matters of crime compensation call us today on Freecall: 1800 000 055.

June 15, 2008

Accessing Criminal Records

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Victims of Crime can access criminal records of offenders at www.crimenet.com.au. This site contains Australian criminal records on offenders of violent and sexual crimes, as well as paedophiles, together with general information on crime throughout Australia. The aim of this site is to provide information on crime and criminals and therefore making our home a safer…

June 15, 2008

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Victims of Crime Register

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Victims can now ask to be placed on a Victims Registrar which enables them to be given information about the offender, such as early release dates. Victims have the right to make submissions about such early release dates, for example, how it may affect the victim, as well as what conditions should be placed on…

June 15, 2008

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Victim Law Enforcement

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There is a website at www.lawenforcement.com.au which provides information of law enforement practices throughout Australia. Articles on trauma response protocols relevant to each state, including Victoria, can be accessed. THere is information on road trauma to criminal matters right through to natural disasters. The site is sponsored by www.childsafetyawareness.com

June 15, 2008

Crime Statistics: Physical assault, sexual assault & armed robberies

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In 2005 to 2006 Australians expenditure on the criminal justice system was around $8.5 Billion. In 2006 there were over 200,000 violent crimes in Australia. Physical assaults represent the majority of violent crimes, with an increase of 50% between 1996 to 2006 to over 170,000 physical assaults. Physical assaults are most likely to occur in…

March 24, 2008

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Sentencing Laws

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There is an organization in Victoria Called People Against Lenient Sentencing (PALS). PALS believe that often the sentence does not fit the crime, particularly in such ases as childhood sexual abuse. PALS aim is to give victims a voice when sentences appear to be blatantly inadequate and inconsistent with social expectations. If you have been a…

March 22, 2008

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