After You Have Been a Victim of Crime

If you are in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If someone is injured, call an ambulance on 10177.

Being a victim of crime can shake you, even if you were not badly hurt. You may keep replaying it, feel jumpy at home, or feel angry and helpless. These are normal reactions to something that was not normal. There are clear steps to take, and support is available.

What is happening

In South Africa, you can report a crime at any police station. You should get a case number, often called a CAS number, and the name of the investigating officer. Insurance, banks and your employer may ask for it.

The Service Charter for Victims of Crime (the Victims' Charter) says you have the right to be treated with fairness and respect, to get information about your case, to protection, to assistance, and in some cases to compensation or restitution. Many police stations have a Victim Friendly Room, where you can give your statement privately. The Victim Empowerment Programme, through the Department of Social Development and NGOs, offers counselling and support.

If you were hurt, see a doctor or go to a clinic. The doctor can record your injuries on a J88 form, which is used as medical evidence.

Signs to notice

• You keep reliving what happened
• You feel unsafe at home or in the area
• You startle easily or cannot sleep
• You avoid places or people that remind you of it
• You are angry, irritable or tearful
• You feel it was your fault

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111 or 112 from a mobile.

• Are you still in danger, or have you been threatened since?
• Were you injured?
• Are you having nightmares or flashbacks?
• Are you avoiding going out or going home?
• Is it hard to work, sleep or eat?
• Are you drinking or using more to cope?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now: 10111. Otherwise, reactions often settle over a few weeks. Take the practical steps and rest.
2-3 yes: The shock is still with you. Talk to someone this week.
4 or more yes: This is a lot to carry. Call the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 today and ask about trauma counselling. If you were injured, get medical care today.

What you can do next

• Today: Report the crime and get a case number. Get medical care if you were hurt. Block bank cards and SIM if they were taken. Be with people you trust tonight.
• This week: Follow up with the investigating officer. Claim from insurance. Change locks or improve security if your home was entered.
• This month: Notice how you are coping. If sleep, fear or anger are not easing after a few weeks, see a counsellor or psychologist.
• Children who saw or heard the crime need calm, simple explanations and extra closeness.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - a quick check of your safety right now, with the number to call first and your next step.

When to get professional help

Get professional help if fear, flashbacks or poor sleep last more than a month, or if you cannot work or look after yourself. Trauma counselling works best when you start early. You do not have to wait until you are falling apart.
Who can help: emergency services, counsellor, psychologist, social worker, doctor, Legal Aid SA

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): report crime, get a case number, ask for the Victim Friendly Room.
• Victim Empowerment Programme (Department of Social Development): counselling and support for victims.
• GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428): if the crime was gender-based or sexual violence.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): trauma support any time.