Crimes and its impact on a teenager's mental health

By Esha Irfan

Crime: 

Crime is a term that encompasses illegal acts in which someone can be punished by the government. An example of a crime is robbery. Robbery is when someone takes items from another person by force. Since this act is unlawful, it is considered a crime with a subsequent legal punishment. There are different categories of crime which determine the severity of punishment. 

(study.com) 

Types of crime 

● Personal crimes 

personal crimes—include murder, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery. Young, urban, poor, non-white, and other historically marginalized groups are more often affected by these crimes. 

● Property crimes 

Property crimes involve the theft of property without bodily harm, such as burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson. Like personal crimes, members of historically marginalized groups are arrested for these types of crimes more than others.

● Victimless crimes 

Crimes against morality are also called victimless crimes because there is no complainant or victim. Prostitution, illegal gambling, and illegal drug use are all examples of victimless crimes. 

● White collar crimes 

White-collar crimes are those committed by people of high social status who commit their crimes in the context of their occupation. This includes embezzling (stealing money from one’s employer), insider trading, tax evasion, and other violations of income tax laws. 

(ThoughtCo)

Causes of crime 

● Poverty 

Poverty is one of the main causes of crime. Countries with high rates of economic deprivation tend to witness higher crime rates. Since people don't have the means to secure a living in the right ways, they invest their time in criminal activities. ● Peer pressure 

Peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of teenagers and young adults. This is a phase in life where people tend to look at their friends and believe that what they do is the right thing. As a result, many individuals in youth subconsciously get drawn to vices 

like alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking just looking at their peers. And the problem starts when these people are involved in illegal activities. 

● Unequal rights 

Deprivation is another significant contributor to increasing crime rates. People resort to notorious activities when they are deprived of their basic rights. They have limited options and are already at a disadvantaged position in society that they choose to make money and sustain themselves through hook and crook. 

(iPleaders Blog) 

Effects of crime 

● Physical symptoms 

1.Headaches and body aches 

2.Nausea and stomach upset 

3.Faintness and dizziness 

4.Disturbed sleep, sleeplessness, and nightmares 

● Guilt 

You feel you might have avoided or prevented the crime so you act differently out of shame and guilt. 

● Anxiety 

You think that the same thing or something similar could happen again that you will never get back your former sense of well-being. You may feel helpless because you could not control the situation and prevent this from happening 

● Loss of confidence 

You may feel vulnerable. Something you thought could never happen to you has now happened so you may feel helpless because you could not control the situation and prevent this from happening. You may feel that the world is not the safe, comfortable place you thought it was. 

● Fear

Fear of the same thing or something similar happening again. 

The fear being alone, or of going out and returning to the place where the event occurred. 

You'll have the fear of being further victimised because you reported the crime. (Crime Victims helpline) 

How to cope with crimes!? 

Coping 

● Victims can do some things which will help to recover from a crime, such as: ● Refrain from excessive use of alcohol 

● Exercise regularly 

● Maintain a proper diet 

● Rest regularly 

● Continue contact with people who provide support 

● Discuss the event with colleagues, supervisors, friends and family – people who will listen and not judge you 

● Pay attention to stress levels and ability to cope 

City of Fredericksburg, VA (.gov) 

Summary 

Crime has a profound impact on a teenager's mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, PTSD, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and distrust. Understanding the types of crimes, risk factors, and coping mechanisms is crucial in mitigating these effects. By acknowledging the severity of this issue and working together, we can create supportive environments, foster resilience, and promote positive mental health outcomes for teenagers. 

References 

● Rachel Payne Gill, Jessica Schubert. (2023, November 21). Crime 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://study.co m/academy/lesson/crime-definition-types.html&ved=2ahUKEwjmsfyD67qKAxUfB9sEHd dDMpUQFnoECBgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0l0vnSjVSpFqVUDEV0nbQR 

● Ashley Crossman. (2024, July 15). Types of crime 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tho ughtco.com/types-of-crimes-3026270&ved=2ahUKEwicnJja67qKAxXHZ_EDHWEPLicQ FnoECBUQBQ&usg=AOvVaw3tnClqx8MY-DJCFE7qAMmI 

● Arthira R Nair. (2022, January 11). 

Causes of crime

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://blog.iple aders.in/causes-of-crime/&ved=2ahUKEwjbgfr367qKAxUW1AIHHfZvK6gQFnoECBoQA Q&usg=AOvVaw2bKdWl3yFo2lQGib85sJjv 

● Effects of crime 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.cri mevictimshelpline.ie/after-a-crime/the-effects-of-crime&ved=2ahUKEwi0k8TA7LqKAxWC A9sEHdYkNIoQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2js32tqwcSBKr8A8cUwY9Z 

● Elizabeth K. Humphries. How to cope with crimes 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.fre dericksburgva.gov/336/Coping-with-Crime&ved=2ahUKEwiip7Pv7LqKAxW_VPEDHcA4 DIcQFnoECBgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2Sl4mSuFXvc18Gd2t-LcxP