Violent crime and hijacking trauma

Living in South Africa, many of us carry the fear of violent crime, or have lived through it directly. If you have survived a hijacking, robbery or assault, what you are feeling right now is a normal response to a deeply abnormal event, and there is nothing wrong with you for struggling.

What it is

When you experience or witness violent crime, your body's alarm system kicks in to keep you safe. Adrenaline floods your system, your heart races, and your mind may go into fight, flight or freeze mode. Afterwards, it is common to feel shaky, numb, tearful or strangely calm - there is no "right" way to react. For most people, these intense reactions settle over days to weeks as the body and mind process what happened. For some, the distress lingers and starts to affect daily life, and that is when extra support helps.

Signs to notice

• Replaying the event in your mind, or having flashbacks and nightmares
• Feeling jumpy, on edge or easily startled, especially in traffic or at home
• Avoiding the route, area or even driving altogether
• Trouble sleeping, concentrating or making decisions
• Irritability, anger, or feeling emotionally numb and distant from others
• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating or nausea when reminded of the event

What helps

• Give yourself permission to be affected - this is a normal reaction, not a weakness
• Talk to someone you trust about what happened, in your own time and words
• Keep to regular routines for eating, sleeping and movement, even in small ways
• Limit repeated exposure to news coverage or retelling the event over and over
• Try grounding techniques when anxiety spikes: slow breathing, naming five things you can see, feeling your feet on the floor
• Gradually return to normal activities rather than avoiding everything that reminds you of the incident
• Go easy on alcohol, which can worsen sleep and anxiety

When to reach out for help

Speak to a professional if symptoms are still intense after a few weeks, if you are avoiding daily activities like driving or leaving home, if flashbacks or nightmares are frequent, or if you feel unable to cope, function at work, or care for your family. A professional can assess what you are experiencing and support your recovery.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors offer confidential support and can help you process a traumatic incident and build coping strategies. SADAG also offers support and referrals for trauma-related distress.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.