Neighborhood Youth & Family Counseling of Richardson

OUR MISSION

To provide quality, affordable, and professional counseling, victim's advocacy, and intervention services to individuals, couples, families, and organizations in the Richardson community.

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VICTIMS' ASSISTANCE

The Victims' Assistance Program aims to alleviate some of the stress created by a crime or traumatic incident and empower victims by providing accurate information and ongoing moral support. Officers with the Richardson Police Department can contact NYFC Victim Advocates 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention to victims of violent crime or survivors of other traumatic events. NYFC Advocates inform crime victims of their rights under the law and assist with applications for Crime Victim's Compensation, a program run by the Attorney General's Office. Advocates provide victims and their families with ongoing information and assistance during and after the tragedy.

Victims of Crime in Richardson may qualify for free professional counseling services with NYFC.

Most services are available in Spanish.

Common Responses after Crime, Critical Incident, or other Traumatic Event

Physical
Increase or Decrease in desire to eat
Difficulty Sleeping or sleeping excessively
Sick feeling in the stomach or feeling of having "butterflies" in the stomach
Rapid weight gain or loss

Intellectual
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired judgment
Occupation with crime
Forgetfulness
Flashbacks

Emotional
Shock
Anger
Loneliness
Loss of sense of purpose
Suicidal thoughts
Sadness
Guilt
Feeling helpless
Feeling on guard or overly vigilant
Irritability

Relational
Reduced communication & parenting skills
Withdrawal from friends & family members
Decreased interest in intimacy
Lack of patience with loved ones

Spiritual
Difficulty coping with clergy's philosophy
Guilt over desire for vengeance
Question of values or beliefs
Inability or difficulty trusting God
Increased faith

Employment Related
Trouble focusing on work
Absences from work
Decreased motivation
Becoming a workaholic

There is no "right" way to react after a traumatic event, and everyone on this list does not cover all the responses a person might feel. Everyone's experience is unique.

MANAGING TRAUMATIC STRESS

Crime and traumatic events create stress in many aspects of our lives, and sometimes the stress is so great that you might feel as though you are going crazy. You're not. It is important to take care of yourself, however, and we have some tips below. Your life might never be exactly the same as it was before the incident, but self-care can help restore some normalcy in your life. We also encourage you to get professional help with a therapist with experience helping those recovering from traumatic events.

Stay away from substances that alter your mood.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Eat well-balanced meals, even if they are small.
Create or maintain structure in your life. Develop a routine.
Take breaks from periods of isolation.
Talk about it, perhaps with a professional.
Do things that you enjoy.
Exercise. Even just a little bit can help you physically and psychologically.
Avoid major life decisions if possible.
If you get the urge to cry, allow it.
Set aside time to "feel bad" and think about the situation.
Remind yourself that your reactions are normal.
Do things that are meaningful to you: Prayer, Walking outdoors, Sitting quietly, reading, and writing/journaling.
Practice stress reduction techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, exercising.

If you are interested in utilizing NYFC's counseling services, please call us. You might qualify for free sessions under our Victims' Assistance Program. Our advocates also can refer you to other therapists and helpful resources in the area.

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS A victim of crime is (1) someone who is the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery or who has suffered bodily injury or death because of the criminal conduct of another, (2) the close relative (spouse, parent, adult brother or sister, or child) of a deceased victim, or (3) the guardian of a victim. The rights listed below apply to victims of crime, including juvenile crime and victims who suffer property loss. Crime victims have the right to the following:

Receive adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;
Have their safety considered by the magistrate when setting bail;
Advance notification, on request, of relevant court proceedings, including cancellations and rescheduling;
Request information from a peace officer about the defendant's right to bail and criminal investigation procedures, and from the prosecutor's office about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea agreements, restitution, appeals, and parole;
Information about the Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Fund and, on request, referral to social service agencies that provide other types of assistance;
Provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime to the probation department conducting the pre-sentencing investigation;
Payment for medical examinations for victims of sexual assault by the law enforcement agency requesting the exam and, on request, the right to counseling regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for sexual assault victims;
Information, on request, about parole procedures; notification of parole proceedings and of the inmate's release; and the right to participate in the parole process by submitting written information to the Board of Pardons & Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file for consideration by the Board prior to parole;
Be present at all public court proceedings, with the presiding judge's consent;
A safe waiting area at all public court proceedings;
Prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence;
Have the prosecutor notify, upon request, an employer that the need for the victims' testimony may involve the victim's absence from work;
Complete a Victim Impact Statement, detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact of the crime on the victim and to have the statement considered by a judge at sentencing and by officials prior to the release of the offender(s).

NYFC's Victims' Assistance Programs strives to help victims of crime understand their rights. Please contact NYFC if you have been a victim of a crime and do not know or understand your rights, have questions about Crime Victims' Compensation, the legal system or other related issues.