Victims usually suffer psychological damage in direct proportion to the amount of personal violation involved in the crime. Following victimization, the victim experiences a crisis reaction of three distinct stages. The initial impact or acute phase is characterized by a disintegration of the victim's normal functioning. The first response is shock, disbelief, and disorientation that may be physically immobilizing. This is followed by an outward adjustment or recoil phase, during which victims attempt to recapture their sense of self, memory, and behavioral control. Victims moods may fluctuate between calmness, rage, apathy, and anger. Many victims experience extended periods of traumatic depression and may even blame themselves for their victimization. The final phase is integration or resolution, during which the victim is able to put the experience in perspective and commit his or her mental and physical energies elsewhere. Even after reaching this stage, some psychological consequences remain, and victims may experience unresolved and long-term emotional disorders similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the victims' needs for social support, nonvictims may blame the victim or feel uncomfortable or threatened around victims. Therapy and other victim services can help crime victims overcome these psychological effects and regain their self-esteem and sense of safety. An inset discusses sexual assault. 1 table.