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The reconstruction of a new balance is the process of putting one’s life together again after a crime has happened. It is often an emotional process that is like riding a roller-coaster. There are ups and downs. Eventually, a new balance will be established, but it will be a different balance than before. It can be difficult, and for many victims it can take a long time. It includes living through bad days in order to reach good days. Crisis intervention and supportive counseling help victims move toward a new balance more effectively, but it is not an easy process.

There are other reactions that often occur after the immediate crisis reactions have begun to subside. They are called long-term crisis reactions, and they are often made worse when the victim is treated disrespectfully by family, friends, and service providers who may not be understanding. Some people may wonder why the victim has not "gotten over it yet" or when she is going to "put it behind her and get on with her life." It is not as easy as others might think.

Long-term crisis reactions are different for everyone, but may include:

• Health problems related to the stress of the victimization (for example, headaches or high blood pressure)
• Eating problems (for example, not having an appetite, wanting to eat too much or feeling nauseated)
• Sleeping problems (for example, not being able to go to sleep or to stay asleep all night long)
• Relationship problems (for example, being cranky and irritable, or not being able to trust other people)

In many cases, a victim may have long-term crisis reactions in response to reminders that re-awaken memories of the original crime. When the memories are re-awakened, it can be as painful as the original crime, and can be very confusing, because many victims may not understand why they are having these memories. Reminder events will vary with different victims but may include:

• Seeing the offender again.
• Sensing (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting) something similar to something that one was acutely aware of during the crime.
• News stories about the crime or similar crimes.
• "Anniversaries" of the crime.
• Holidays or significant "life events," such as birthdays.
• The criminal justice process itself (having to work with the law enforcement officer during the investigation, attending the trial, telling the story about what happened to strangers, etc.).
• Some cases are handled in a civil court instead of or in addition to a criminal court. This is called "civil litigation." Civil litigation can take a long time, and can also be difficult for the victim, who may have to tell his story again, to other strangers.

It may seem to many crime victims that it takes a long time to start to feel comfortable again. The crime victim may need to be reminded from time to time that there will be good days and there will be bad days. Those who live with a person who has been the victim of a crime may need to be especially patient and understanding. It is important for victims to know they are not alone, and that other people care about them. In addition to support from family, friends and service providers, victims need to know that help is available from victim assistance programs.

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