“Some of those affected are forced to change jobs”

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Stealing is an act of violence. Bernadette Kaufmann (59) says that even if the victim has no physical damage, she always takes something mentally. She is a social worker and has been working for Victim Support in Bern for 14 years. Blick gives insight into the people who have been victims of an attack and shows how harsh it can be.

“During the robbery, rational action and thinking are often no longer possible because you are blocked by fear,” says Kaufmann. He advises everyone to stay calm, not gasping, and respond to the perpetrator’s demands during a robbery: “Never play the heroine and deal with the perpetrator!” Perpetrators are often under pressure and may react violently to ill-considered actions of those affected.

«Always a tough experience»

But the suffering often begins later: “It is always a severe and traumatic experience for those affected, sometimes with lasting psychological and/or physical effects,” says Kaufmann. Afterwards, affected persons often suffer from headaches and stomachaches, tension, problems concentrating, insomnia, nightmares, panic attacks, loss of appetite and weakness, withdrawal, feelings of guilt, injuries with possibly (permanent) scars if the perpetrators attack the victims. weaponry. Sometimes the consumption of alcohol and addictive substances also increases.

Not every person affected reacts in the same way, Kaufmann says. However: “There are cases where those affected are no longer able to return to their jobs or have to change their jobs completely.” It is important that those affected are supported by the employer as well. “Employees should be allowed to take their time until they’re ready to take action again.” It is also the employer’s responsibility to check existing protective measures. It is also important that employees are not blamed for anything and that what they need is seriously clarified, for example “therapeutic support”. Kaufmann: “It is important that you support those affected, listen to them and take them seriously”

Source : Blick