Welcome to the National Center for Victims of Crime

We are the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. Please join us as we forge a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.


Coping with Trauma and Grief

Finding Help to Heal and Recover

Tragedies such as the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut can be traumatizing. Even if we are not personally affected, we may feel deep sorrow, sadness and despair over the senseless tragedy that took the lives of 20 children and 7 adults in Newton, Connecticut.

We hope that the resources below will be helpful to you, and will assist in coping with grief, trauma, or other reactions you may be experiencing. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to any one of the National Hotlines listed, or find local resources in your area through our Connect Directory.

The entire country mourns the loss of life in tragic events such as that in Connecticut; you should know that you are not alone.


Get Help Bulletins

National Hotlines


Your Children and Trauma: How to Talk to Kids about Victimization

Tragic events such as the mass shooting in Connecticut are difficult for any of us to understand. Advice and guidance on how to talk with children about the shooting and address their fears about their own safety are provided in the links below. 



Resilience in Time of Trauma

Traumatic events can have negative effects on emotional health and well-being.  It is important to take measures to promote self-care during stressful times, and to adopt coping mechanisms to relieve the pain and grief you may feel after an event such as the Connecticut school shooting. Striking a balance between stressors, or negative feelings, and positive emotions can help restore emotional health and self-awareness. The following information about resilience describes methods to cope with stress and adversity and adapt to challenges in ways that empower and restore emotional health.