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A crime is committed when someone breaks the law. Some are crimes against property (for example, stealing someone’s money or breaking someone’s windows) and some are crimes against persons (for example, beating or sexually assaulting someone). Some involve both property and people. In some instances, the victim may not actually be present when the crime occurs (for example, in a home burglary). Other kinds of wrong-doing may be more difficult to define. Abuse is often used to describe harm caused by one person against another. Abuse may be a crime (as in "child sexual abuse") or it may not be a crime (as in "verbal abuse"). Abuses such as the withholding of medication or serious neglect of a person who needs a certain level of care may indeed be crimes.

If in doubt, find out from local law enforcement what is considered criminal behavior in your area.

When abuse is a crime, the police should take a crime report and investigate the crime to try to identify and arrest the offender. The prosecutor’s office may then take the case to court. In addition, special court orders, called protective orders or temporary restraining orders, can be provided to victims who are subjected to physical or emotional abuse (sometimes including verbal abuse). These court orders tell the abuser to stop the abuse and to stay away from the victim. A person with a disability may be considered a "vulnerable victim" in some places.

Even when abuse is not considered a crime, victim advocates and other helpers may become involved, if their help is requested. Protective services agencies may also become involved.

All crime or abuse, even when it is considered "minor," should be treated seriously!

The person who commits the crime or the abuse may be referred to in a variety of ways. He or she may be called a suspect, an accused person, an abuser, a perpetrator, an offender or a defendant.

More Help For Victims

Main NOVA Victim Information Section

How to Get Help After a Vicitmization Main Page

Crime Prevention

What is a Crime

Who is a Crime Victim

The Four Injuries

After a Crime Occurs

The Trauma of Victimization

Where to Find Help

Criminal Justice Terms Glossary

Other Resources: Links, Phone Numbers, and Readings