The use, abuse, or dependency of victims on legal (alcohol and prescription drugs) or illegal (illicit drugs) substances may precede the criminal activity, occur during the commission of a crime, or develop after the crime has occurred, most often as a delayed reaction associated with trauma. Increased understanding of the linkages between substance abuse and victimization can lead to more effective prevention efforts, as well as improved responses by victim assistance and justice professionals, mental health providers, and substance abuse treatment professionals to help individuals cope with the trauma of victimization. Research is needed to develop more effective means of treating substance abuse by crime victims. Research indicates a significant correlation between substance abuse and domestic violence victims. The presence of alcohol or other drugs in domestic violence incidents raises important concerns about the victims' safety as well as their capacity to respond to threats or acts of violence. Alcohol and other drugs are often present in both victims and offenders involved in sexual assaults. Research further reveals that the sudden and violent loss of a loved one can increase a victim's propensity to use or abuse substances in order to cope with the trauma.