http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA05-4027/lovedoneforprint.asp
SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, Center for Mental Health Services
As a survivor of violent crime, you may face a wide range of emotional and physical struggles, along with some difficult questions that often surface: Why did this happen to me? How will I ever heal from this? Why can’t I connect with others the way I did before? When will I start to feel “normal” again? While the answers may be different for each individual, there are some striking similarities in how trauma affects nearly all victims. Understanding the nature and impact of violent trauma can be essential to the healing process. This brochure is intended as a guide to help you along the path to healing and to avoid some of the common pitfalls along the way.