The unenviable experience of a break-in can take an emotional toll on victims, a psychologist says.
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Feelings of anger and fear that another person has “penetrated their privacy” are likely in the wake of the crime being committed, Dr Jack White says.
And he notes that goods stolen can have “sentimental value as well as financial value”.
Dr White offered assurances that emotional responses were “normal” to such a negative life event as he suggested victims at Dubbo feeling the impact of a break-in may benefit from seeking professional help.
He provided an insight into victims’ perspectives when told Dubbo was ranked at number one for break and enter offences in NSW.
The loss of goods and cash, locks to fix and other damage to repair and the potential for rising insurance costs are some impacts of break-ins.
Dr White, a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and principal of White & Associates Psychologists in Adelaide, told of less tangible impacts.
“From a victim perspective, there is always likely to be feelings of anger and fear that that another person has penetrated their privacy, and stolen goods that may have sentimental value as well as financial value,” he said.
“Often this will lead to increased levels of the person’s anxiety, and symptoms characteristic of a post-traumatic stress disorder.”
It was likely people would have difficulty sleeping and feel “on edge and sensitive to external stimuli”, for example noises outside the house.
“This emotional response is a ‘normal’ to such a negative life event,” he said.
To best address the response, he suggested a person may benefit from seeing a psychologist to understand why their emotions are as they are, and what strategies could be recommended to overcome symptoms.
“Individuals will vary significantly in terms of their reaction to such an event, and vary with their capacity to recover from such an event,” he said. “In many cases, an awareness that the perpetrator has been caught can provide a sense of closure.”
More than 1000 homes in Dubbo were broken into in the first 11 months of 2016, an average 100 homes every month. Police have called on residents to be “suspicious, cautious and vigilant”.
To access private psychologists, contact the APS Find a Psychologist Service on 1800 333 497 or search the APS website www.findapsychologist.org.au.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
