Seeking Support Groups in Detroit Area for Victims of Violent Crimes

The DMC has specialist in this area, they deal specifically with people who have experienced violence and hare having a difficult time coping with the "after math." It sounds to me like you are experiencing the some of the symptoms that place you at very high risk of PTSD, and you might want to consider treatment. Feel free to email me directly.

D.-

I am so sorry for what you went through! Have charges been filed? As a previous poster stated, if they charged anyone, then the Wayne County Pros. Office will handle the case (assuming the incident occurred in WC). You will be assigned a victim advocate- who is a person with a counseling/social work background- who can lead you to the available resources.

Its likely you've yet to be contacted by them yet- if you just got out of the hospital. If you have the charged person's name, here's what you can do: call ###-###-#### (mail line for pros. office). Ask to be directed to victim services. When you get someone, ask to know who YOUR victim advocate is. You may not have been assigned one yet- so if not, ask whoever answers in victim services where you can find help. They should have the answers for you.

By the way- I am someone who has worked in law enforcement- particularly in violent crimes, for over 10 years- your reaction is normal AND healthy- that said, you still should get help- it is so very difficult to deal with- so many questions, why? why me? what now? Its overwhelming.

If no one has been charged, I bet the post re: DMC is a great lead, as is the website for victims of violent crimes.

Best of luck to you!

I understand and sympathize and identify with your fear and am sooo sorry that this has happened to you! I had PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) for many years, because I was not aware of any treatments. I was previously put through some VERY horrible situations that were beyond my control. After each nightmare or terror, I would be in depression and fear for at LEAST 2 weeks...sometimes longer. This is what worked for me, but I have to explain a few things so you'll understand.
Your body and mind is stuck in the fear, panic mode and lack of control that you felt when you were violated. You have to tell your inner self that you are safe now...that you are not in that same situation. When your body starts to realize this, it will begin to relax. You have to challenge each negative or panic-stricken thought, so your body and mind realizes that it is out of danger now. I wish I knew more about the incident so that I could help you more...because of this, my suggestions might sound a little vague. For example when you are fearful, say something like this out loud: I am not at the bank(wherever the situation happened)at night, I am in my home which I have always experienced safety in and been protected. Another: I can sleep peacefully because I am not being attacked, I am in my own home with my family and God is protecting all of us. Another: Right now, I do not have a gun pointed at me and I am NOT in the same situation (example: at the bank) that I was in when I got attacked. I am safe. My doors are locked and I have a phone nearby. I will just be more careful from now on, especially at night. Sorry, I'm so vague, but you have to basically challenge each thought or fear, with the truth. As the bible says..the Truth will make you free. (; Another thing that I do when I'm really struggling is to tell God (in a quick prayer)that you are putting yourself into His hands and that you are trusting Him to protect you and keep you safe. Also, pray and read the bible (even if it is only a chapter) before bed. If I can help you any further, please email me. It really does work. Right now I want to say a quick prayer for you. Father, I bring D. before you Lord and I ask for healing of this fear that is holding her back Lord. Lord, I put D. into Your hands where she is completely safe. I pray that you send angels to minister, and to protect her Lord. Please reach down right now and touch her and surround her with Your peace and comfort God. Show her that You are there for her, and that she can trust You. Keep her close to Your heart God and keep a watchful eye on her, and her family Lord. We thank you for her life God, I ask for complete restoration and healing of D.. Your word says that you work all things together for good, so right now I ask you Lord to start working this scary, thing for good Lord. Turn it into a miracle, God. We ask all of these things in Jesus name. AMen.

If I can help you in any further way, don't hesitate to let me know.
You will be well.
A. (;

I am so sorry about what happened to you. I really don't know who you can contact, but I'm sure a lot of people will have good suggestions for you. I just wanted you to know that I would be the same way. I am terrified of guns and have never even been confronted by something like that. It will take time and support for you to get through this and yes I think your husband is like most (not all) men. Maybe he should talk to somebody also so he can understand that this is not something somebody can just get over that quickly. You will find that you are not alone and it was very recent...give it time. Good luck!!!!

Hi-

I advise you to go get a ccw a.k.a. cpl (concealed pistol's license) and carry for your own protection. It is big load off my mind to know that I have protecton if and when I need it. Fortunately you are still here to talk about this and you can get help. I feel it is best to protect yourself, when seconds count the police are only are few minutes away. If you like I can give you the Phone # where I took my class. They go over the laws and there is some gun range time in which you must qualify. If you have interest in this option I can give you more info. If this is not the path you choose, I think you need to sit down with family and friends, get all the emotion and anger out, then see if you feel better. One alternative is to carry some pepper spray with you at all times, where you can reach it.

Hi D.,
I'm not sure if the case is being prosecuted, but if it is the Wayne County Crime Victim's Rights should be contacting you. Their info might be on the card you got from the police department. They should have some support group referrals for you.

D.,
I'm so sorry. That is awful. I think your husband just doesn't understand a PTSD situation. I might try MADD to see if they have anything, I know it's not the same kind of trauma but they may have or know of something. Or call Receiving Hospital psych department they might know of somemthing.
L.

I can't offer any advice, just wanted to say that my prayers are with you!

Hi D.,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your experience. I am not a victim of violent crime (and I hope it stays that way), but common sense will tell you that you will be traumatized for a long time. That was a horrible thing to happen to you. If this continues, I would suggest professional help for a while. A professional would be able to tell you if one on one or group therapy would be best. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best.

Dear D.,

There is a website www.mivictims.org, that can helpyou find a support group in your area. Also, contact your local police department, they may have support groups to refer you to. I think your reaction is a normal reaction to the trauma you have faced. It sounds like you can use some help to overcome this and move on, and I am glad you are asking for it. I am so glad to hear that you are out of the hospital and on the road to recovery from the horrible incident. It is kind of like a post traumatic stress syndrome. I don't know if your husband is being insensitive or just trying to tell you that if you're not 'past this' then you should get some help. Personally, I think you have every reason to feel the way you are. Panic attacks are real, so a call into your doctor can help you too. Please dont think that this will go away on it's own with time, you've been through enough and shouldn't have to suffer anymore. Good luck.

I am sorry to here about that (inadequate words I know)

You will experience many emotions and you will go through stages - they will be similar to grief stages. A group will help you tremendously and though I apologise I am new to the area where I am from the churches had many relief group contacts so my suggestion to you is to contact your church office (or even any church office - maybe a downtown catholic church they usually have a great source of referral) or your local hospital should have referral as well.

Know that everything you feel is justified and there are others with similar experiences that will help!

M. :)

duh totally missed your church reference when I first read your note! ok so you are on the right track there but reach out to other churches as well for faster results!

and my husband was kidnapped at gunpoint in san diego 30 years ago and still gets nervous in a bank branch - there are things that may hang on - your husband is ridicuolously silly to think you should be over it - you may never be completely and that is OK!