The New Trauma Responses Model

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The New Trauma Responses Model

(Last Updated On: May 16, 2023)

The New TraumaTrauma Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless in a dangerous world. Psychological trauma can leave you struggling with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety or other emotional shocks, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, even if it doesn’t involve physical harm. It’s not the objective circumstances that determine whether an event is traumatic, but your subjective emotional experience of the event. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized. Trauma requires treatment, either through counseling or therapy or through trauma-oriented support programs, such as those offered by SCARS. Responses Model

Psychology of Trauma

Victim Recovery – A SCARSSCARS SCARS - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. A government registered crime victims' assistance & crime prevention nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. SCARS supports the victims of scams worldwide and through its partners in more than 60 countries around the world. Incorporated in 2015, its team has 30 years of continuous experience educating and supporting scam victims. Visit www.AgainstScams.org to learn more about SCARS. Insight

Many People Still Believe There Are Only Two Trauma Responses! Fight or Flight!

But As Science Progresses, We Better Understand Trauma Responses – All 6 Of Them!

Most scamScam A Scam is a confidence trick - a crime -  is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their trust through deception. Scams or confidence tricks exploit victims using their credulity, naïveté, compassion, vanity, irresponsibility, or greed and exploiting that. Researchers have defined confidence tricks as "a distinctive species of fraudulent conduct ... intending to further voluntary exchanges that are not mutually beneficial", as they "benefit con operators ('con men' - criminals) at the expense of their victims (the 'marks')". A scam is a crime even if no money was lost. & financial fraudFraud In law, fraud is intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain (money or other assets), or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Fraud can violate civil law (e.g., a fraud victim may sue the fraud perpetrator to avoid the fraud or recover monetary compensation) or criminal law (e.g., a fraud perpetrator may be prosecuted and imprisoned by governmental authorities), or it may cause no loss of money, property, or legal right but still be an element of another civil or criminal wrong. The purpose of fraud may be monetary gain or other benefits, for example by obtaining a passport, travel document, or driver's license, or mortgage fraud, where the perpetrator may attempt to qualify for a mortgage by way of false statements. A fraud can also be a hoax, which is a distinct concept that involves deliberate deception without the intention of gain or of materially damaging or depriving a victim. victims suffer from trauma after their scam ends. Understanding the trauma responses can help victims learn why they are responding as they do when triggered.

It is important for scam victims to understand trauma responses because falling prey to a scam can have significant emotional and psychological effects on an individual. The experience of being scammed is traumatic, and individuals may experience a range of emotions such as shock, disbelief, angerAnger Anger, also known as wrath or rage, is an intense emotional state involving a strong uncomfortable and non-cooperative response to a perceived provocation, trigger, hurt or threat. About one-third of scam victims become trapped in anger for extended periods of time following a scam. A person experiencing anger will often experience physical effects, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Some view anger as an emotion that triggers a part of the fight or flight response. Anger becomes the predominant feeling behaviorally, cognitively, and physiologically. Anger can have many physical and mental consequences. While most of those who experience anger explain its arousal as a result of "what has happened to them", psychologists point out that an angry person can very well be mistaken because anger causes a loss in self-monitoring capacity and objective observability., and shameShame Shame is an unpleasant self-conscious emotion typically associated with a negative evaluation of the self; withdrawal motivations; and feelings of distress, exposure, mistrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness.. These emotional responses are natural and normal reactions to a traumatic event. Understanding who these relate to the 6 trauma responses can help them deal with both their current trauma but also with past traumas they may have experienced.

Learning about these trauma responses can help scam victims recognize that their emotions and reactions are valid and can help them cope with the aftermath of the scam. It can also help victims identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the need to seek professional help if necessary (click here for counseling resources.)

Remember, scammers are skilled at manipulating and deceiving their victims, and it is essential for victims to understand that the fault lies with the scammerScammer A Scammer or Fraudster is someone that engages in deception to obtain money or achieve another objective. They are criminals that attempt to deceive a victim into sending more or performing some other activity that benefits the scammer., not with themselves.

Digging deeper into trauma responses can help victims build resilienceResilience Is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Psychological resilience is the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses "mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors". In simpler terms, psychological resilience exists in people who develop psychological and behavioral capabilities that allow them to remain calm during crises/chaos and to move on from the incident without long-term negative consequences. In popular accounts, psychological resilience is sometimes likened to a "psychological immune system". and move forward from the scam. It can help them develop coping strategies and seek support from loved ones, support providers (such as SCARS) or mental health professionals.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This information is provided for educational purposes only. The complexities of victim psychology require the help of a mental healthMental health Mental health, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". According to WHO, mental health includes "subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one's intellectual and emotional potential, among others". From the perspectives of positive psychology or of holism, mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines "mental health". professional to support victims with a thorough diagnosis and therapy to help victims manage or overcome their trauma. SCARS recommends that all crime victims see a professional trauma counselor or therapist to fully understand their trauma and the impact that it has had on their life.

Click here for resources to help find counseling and therapy professionals.

THE NEW 6 TRAUMA RESPONSES

The New Trauma Responses Model - Source NICABM

The New Trauma Responses Model – Source NICABM

FREEZEFreeze Trauma Freeze Response: While fight-or-flight is the better-known way humans respond to certain stressful stimuli, the additional less known third response "FREEZE", was not as widely studied until this last decade. Freezing as a response to a threat might seem effective, a sort of “playing dead” in the face of danger; however, in humans freezing manifests as an inability to communicate, react, make decisions, or take any action of self-preservation or defense. Trauma Response

The FREEZE trauma response, also known as the freeze, immobilization, or tonic immobility response, is one of the three primary reactions to traumatic events, alongside the fight-or-flight response and the fight-flight-freeze response. The freeze response is characterized by a state of immobility or paralysis that occurs in response to overwhelming stress or danger.

When a person experiences a traumatic event, their body and mind can become overwhelmed by the intense fear or threat. In such situations, the freeze response may be triggered as a survival mechanism. The freeze response is thought to be evolutionarily adaptive, as it may have helped our ancestors survive life-threatening situations by reducing their chances of being detected or attacked by predators.

During the freeze response, the body enters a state of temporary shutdown. The individual may feel unable to move, speak, or take any action. They may also experience a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. This response is often accompanied by a feeling of detachment from the surroundings, a sense of time slowing down or stopping, and a disconnection from emotions.

The freeze trauma response can occur in various traumatic situations, such as physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence. It is important to note that the freeze response can also be triggered by non-life-threatening events, such as emotional or psychological trauma.

While the freeze response can be an adaptive coping mechanism in the short term, it can have significant consequences if it persists or is not properly addressed. Prolonged immobilization or chronic activation of the freeze response can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health issues. It may also affect the individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, form relationships, and experience a sense of safety.

Treatment for the freeze trauma response typically involves trauma-informedTrauma-Informed Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” A trauma-informed approach to care acknowledges that health care needs to have a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — in order to provide effective care services with a healing orientation. Adopting trauma-informed practices can potentially improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. therapy approaches. These may include techniques such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic experiencing, or other forms of trauma-focused therapy. The aim is to help the individual process the traumatic event, regain a sense of safety and control, and develop healthier coping strategies.

ATTACHMENT/CRY FOR HELP Trauma Response

In many models, this falls under the Faun/Fawn Response (see below.)

When financial fraud victims are in distress, seeking out the support and comfort of others can be a natural response.

But for scam victims who’ve experienced this trauma response, this response can sometimes signal something more. Their persistent attempts to elicit help from others may indicate that they’re stuck in the attach/cry-for-help response (this may lead to a disorder called Victim’s Complex.)

So how can we better recognize this defensive adaptation to trauma in scam victims?

Attachment in trauma sufferers refers to the way individuals who have experienced trauma form and maintain relationships with others. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, suggests that early experiences with caregivers shape an individual’s internal working model of relationships and influence their ability to seek support, regulate emotions, and establish trust.

Trauma can significantly impact attachment patterns and behaviors. Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or loss that can come from a relationship scamRelationship Scam A Relationship Scam is a one-to-one criminal act that involves a trust relationship and uses deception & manipulation to get a victim to give to the criminal something of value, such as money! Click here to learn more: What Is A Relationship Scam? can disrupt a person’s sense of safety, trust, and security in relationships – even relationships with support providers. The effects of trauma on attachment can vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the trauma, the age at which it occurred, and the availability of supportive caregivers or social networks.

The attach/cry for help trauma response is one of the earliest survival strategies we all develop to obtain help but it can also be a defensive trauma response. According to experts, it is the least understood trauma response. It can be difficult to detect even by professionals.

  • Some common patterns of attachment in trauma sufferers include Insecure Attachment. In this case, trauma can often lead to insecure attachment styles. This may manifest as Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment, where individuals with this attachment style may exhibit clingy or dependent behaviors, constantly seeking reassurance and support from others. They may fear abandonment and have difficulty regulating their emotions.
  • It can also be Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment, where individuals with this attachment style tend to minimize the importance of relationships and may struggle with emotional intimacy. They may appear emotionally distant, self-reliantSelf-Reliant Self-Reliance is the need for each individual to avoid conformity and false consistency and follow his own instincts and ideas. It emphasizes the importance of individualism and its effect on an individual's satisfaction in life., and have difficulty seeking support from others.
  • Fearful-Avoidant Attachment includes individuals with this attachment style may have conflicting desires for closeness and fear of rejection or harm. They may oscillate between seeking connection and withdrawing due to the fear of being hurt.
  • Reactive Attachment is, in some cases, trauma experienced during early childhood can result in reactive attachment disorder. This disorder is characterized by difficulty forming and maintaining healthy attachments with others. People with reactive attachment disorder may exhibit withdrawn, emotionally numb, or excessively clingy behaviors.

It’s important to note that individuals who have experienced trauma can display a range of attachment styles, and attachment patterns can evolve and change over time with therapy, healing, and supportive relationships. Recognizing and addressing attachment issues in trauma sufferers is crucial for their recovery. Trauma-informed therapies, such as attachment-based interventions, can help individuals develop secure attachment patterns, enhance their capacity for trust, and foster healthy relationships with others.

COLLAPSE/SUBMIT Trauma Response

Like many of the emerging defense responses to trauma in financial fraud victims, the collapse/submit response can be difficult to recognize.

The collapse/submission response is a trauma response that can occur in individuals who have experienced overwhelming or life-threatening events, such as a relationship scam. This response is characterized by a sense of powerlessness, helplessness, and a loss of control.

During a traumatic event, the collapse/submission response may involve the individual feeling paralyzed or frozen, unable to fight back or escape. This response is similar to the freeze response, which involves the body going into a state of immobilization or dissociation in response to a perceived threat. However, it is after the traumatic event that this response is more identifiable.

After the traumatic event, individuals who have experienced the collapse/submission response may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

  • Physical symptoms: This may include fatigue, low energy, and a feeling of being drained or exhausted.
  • Emotional symptoms: Individuals may feel a sense of shame, guilt, or self-blameSelf-Blame Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime or any wrongful act is held entirely or partially at fault for the harm that befell them. SCARS seeks to mitigate the prejudice against victims and the perception that victims are in any way responsible for the actions of offenders or scammers. There is historical and current prejudice against the victims of domestic violence and sex crimes, such as the greater tendency to blame victims of rape than victims of robbery. Scam victims are often blamed by family & friends for the crime. Scam victims also engage in self-blame even though they are not to blame. for their perceived inability to fight back or escape during the traumatic event.
  • Behavioral symptoms: Individuals may avoid situations that remind them of the traumatic event, and may exhibit a lack of motivation or interest in activities that they previously enjoyed.
  • Interpersonal symptoms: Individuals may feel disconnected from others, avoid social interactions, and have difficulty trusting others.

It’s important to note that the collapse/submission response is not a conscious decision or choice made by the individual, but rather a physiological and psychological response to trauma.

PLEASE/APPEASE or FAWN Trauma Response

The please/appease or fawn response is a trauma response that can occur in individuals who have experienced trauma or stressful situations. This response is characterized by a strong inclination to please or appease others in order to mitigate perceived threats and maintain a sense of safety.

When confronted with a traumatic event, victims exhibiting the fawn response may engage in behaviors such as:

  • People-pleasing: They may excessively prioritize the needs and desires of others, often at the expense of their own well-being. They may go to great lengths to avoid conflict or rejection, striving to keep others happy and maintain a sense of security.
  • Submissiveness: Individuals may adopt a submissive stance, deferring to others’ opinions and decisions, and avoiding expressing their own needs and boundaries. They may have difficulty asserting themselves due to fear of negative consequences or abandonment.
  • Overcompliance: They may conform to others’ expectations or demands even when it goes against their own values or desires. This excessive compliance is an attempt to avoid conflict or confrontation and maintain a sense of safety.
  • Self-sacrifice: Individuals may place a heavy emphasis on taking care of others’ needs, often neglecting their own well-being in the process. They may feel responsible for soothing or appeasing others’ emotions and may struggle with setting healthy boundaries.

The fawn response is rooted in a deep-seated fear of rejection, abandonment, or harm. It can stem from previous experiences where the victims learned that submitting to others’ demands or appeasing them helped to mitigate potential threats or conflicts. This is also one of the very common vulnerabilities that victims say about themselves – that they were to much of a “people pleaser.”

While the fawn response may provide temporary relief or a sense of safety, it can also lead to long-term negative consequences. Individuals who continuously engage in fawning behaviors may experience difficulties in establishing healthy boundaries, developing a strong sense of self, and forming authentic connections with others. It can be a significant vulnerability to future frauds and deceptions too.

AGGRESSION/FIGHT Trauma Response

The aggression or fight response is one of the trauma responses that can occur in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This response is characterized by a heightened state of arousal, increased aggression, and an inclination to fight back or defend oneself in the face of perceived threats.

When scam victims with a trauma history experience triggersTRIGGERS A trigger is a stimulus that sets off a memory of a trauma or a specific portion of a traumatic experience. or reminders of their traumatic events, they may exhibit the following aggressive or fight-oriented behaviors:

  • Physical aggression: This can involve physically lashing out, engaging in fights, or displaying violent behaviors as a means of self-protection or survival. It may include verbal aggression, such as yelling, shouting, or using threatening language.
  • HyperarousalHYPERAROUSAL A common symptom that arises from traumatic experiences is hyperarousal (also called hypervigilance). Hyperarousal is the body’s way of remaining prepared. It is characterized by sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and a lower threshold for startle responses and can persist years after trauma occurs. It is also one of the primary diagnostic criteria for PTSD.: Trauma sufferers may experience increased physiological arousal, including heightened heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and a state of hypervigilanceHypervigilance Hypervigilance is when the nervous system is not correctly filtering sensory information and the individual is in an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity. This appears to be linked to a dysregulated nervous system which can often be caused by traumatic events or PTSD. Normally, the nervous system releases stress signals in certain situations as a defense mechanism to protect people from perceived dangers. In some cases, the nervous system becomes chronically dysregulated, causing a release of stress signals that are inappropriate to the situation and create inappropriate and exaggerated responses. Hypervigilance may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include: abnormally increased arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli, and a constant scanning of the environment.. This heightened state of arousal can contribute to a reactive and aggressive response to perceived threats.
  • Irritability and anger: Trauma survivorsSurvivor A Scam Survivor is a victim who has been able to fully accept the reality of their situation. That they were the victim of a crime and are not to blame. They are working on their emotional recovery and reduction of any trauma either on their own, through a qualified support organization, or through counseling or therapy. And has done their duty and reported the crime to their local police, national police, and on Anyscam.com may exhibit heightened irritability and anger, often experiencing difficulty managing or controlling these emotions. Small triggers or stressors can result in intense anger outbursts or irritability.
  • Defensive behaviorBehavior   Behavior / Behavioral Actions Otherwise known as habits, behavior or behavioral actions are strategies to help prevent online exploitation that target behavior, such as social engineering of victims. Changing your behavior is the ONLY effective means to reduce or prevent scams.: Trauma sufferers may adopt defensive behaviors as a way to protect themselves from perceived danger. This can include being overly guarded, mistrustful, or having the inclination to interpret situations as threatening.
  • Exaggerated Distrust of Care Providers: Because of a victim’s prior beliefs or poorly learned new knowledge, victims often respond to contradicting ideas as threats. This often leads to very aggressive, angry, rageRage Anger, also known as wrath or rage, is an intense emotional state involving a strong uncomfortable and non-cooperative response to a perceived provocation, trigger, hurt or threat. About one-third of scam victims become trapped in anger for extended periods of time following a scam. A person experiencing anger will often experience physical effects, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Some view anger as an emotion that triggers a part of the fight or flight response. Anger becomes the predominant feeling behaviorally, cognitively, and physiologically. Anger can have many physical and mental consequences. While most of those who experience anger explain its arousal as a result of "what has happened to them", psychologists point out that an angry person can very well be mistaken because anger causes a loss in self-monitoring capacity and objective observability.-filled, or hateful responses to professional care providers. This is a sort of “anyone that disagrees with them is the enemy.”

It is important to note that the aggression or fight response in trauma sufferers is often a reactive response driven by fear, a sense of powerlessness, or an instinct for self-preservation. While this response can be a survival mechanism in certain situations, it can also lead to interpersonal conflicts, strained relationships, and further distress for the individual.

Treating aggression in trauma sufferers typically involves trauma-informed therapies that address the underlying trauma and associated emotional dysregulation.

RUNAWAY/FLIGHT Trauma Response

The runaway or flight response is one of the trauma responses that can occur in relationship scam victims who have experienced the trauma that comes after a scam or fraud has been discovered.

This response is characterized by a strong urge to escape or flee from perceived threats or dangerous situations. Often after a fraud, victims feel very threatened or fearful. Sometimes it is because they were actually threatened, but most often, it is because of fears they imagine and feed in their own minds.

When individuals with a trauma encounter triggers or reminders of their traumatic experiences or their fears, they may exhibit the following flight-oriented behaviors:

  • Avoidance: Victims may actively avoid people, places, or situations that remind them of their traumatic events. This avoidance can be a way to prevent retraumatization and reduce the risk of encountering similar threats in the future.
  • Emotional numbingNUMBING Numbing is a biological process whereby emotions are detached from thoughts, behaviors, and memories. In many cases, a victim's numbing is evidenced by her or his limited range of emotions associated with interpersonal interactions and their inability to associate any emotion with their recent experience. Because numbing symptoms hide what is going on inside emotionally, there can be a tendency for the victim,  family members, counselors, and other behavioral health staff to assess levels of traumatic stress symptoms and the impact of trauma as less severe than they actually are.: Individuals may emotionally disconnect or detach themselves from their feelings as a means of self-preservation. This numbing response serves to minimize the impact of traumatic memories and emotions associated with the crime.
  • Escapist behaviors: Trauma survivors may engage in various behaviors or activities to distract themselves or create a sense of temporary relief. This can include excessive work, substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, or seeking constant external stimulation to avoid facing distressing emotions or memories. This can also be desperation to help other victims.
  • Social withdrawal: Individuals may isolate themselves from others, experiencing difficulty in forming or maintaining relationships. This withdrawal can stem from a fear of being vulnerable or a lack of trust in others due to the traumatic experience of the crime. But this also tends to hold victims back from getting the help they need.

The flight response in victims suffering trauma is an instinctual attempt to seek safety, avoid potential harm, and regain a sense of control, yet ironically leads to less control. However, prolonged avoidance and withdrawal can hinder the healing process and contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, depression, and social isolation.

Next Steps

If a scam or fraud victim recognizes that they are exhibiting trauma responses, it is important for them to take proactive steps to address their well-being and seek appropriate support. These are their path back to a more comfortable self and a happier life.

Here are some suggestions for what they can do:

  • Validate their experience: Recognize that trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal events – almost every scam victim (if they are honest about it) will experience trauma. Understand that their responses are not a sign of weakness or failure but a natural part of the trauma experience these crimes create.
  • Educate themselves: Learn more about trauma, its effects on the mind and body, and the different types of trauma responses. Understanding the science behind trauma can help individuals make sense of their own reactions and provide a foundation for seeking appropriate help. Click here to begin learning.
  • Seek professional help: Reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who specializes in trauma. These professionals can provide guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions to help process the trauma and develop healthy coping strategies. Click here for counseling and therapy resources.
  • Find a professional support provider: Join a professionally facilitated peer-to-peer supportPeer support Peer support occurs when people provide knowledge, experience, emotional, social or practical help to each other. It commonly refers to an initiative consisting of trained supporters and can take a number of forms such as peer mentoring, reflective listening (reflecting content and/or feelings), or in a support group. Peer support is also used to refer to initiatives where colleagues, members of self-help organizations and others meet, in person or online, to give each other connection and support on a reciprocal basis. Peer support is distinct from other forms of social support in that the source of support is a peer, a person who is similar in fundamental ways to the recipient of the support; their relationship is one of equality. A peer is in a position to offer support by virtue of relevant experience: he or she has "been there, done that" and can relate to others who are now in a similar situation. Trained peer support workers such as SCARS Volunteers receive special training and may be required to obtain Continuing Education Units, similar to clinical staff. Some other trained peer support workers may also be law-enforcement personnel and firefighters as well as emergency medical responders. program, where they can speak with other victims, and learn about what is normal for the different stages of the recovery journey. SCARS provides free private & confidential support groupsSupport Groups In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic, such as romance scams. Members with the same issues can come together for sharing coping strategies, to feel more empowered and for a sense of community. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy. They can be supervised or not. SCARS support groups are moderated by the SCARS Team and or volunteers. – visit support.AgainstScams.org to sign up.
  • Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and well-being, such as mindfulness. This can include exercise, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing or mindfulness), spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, connecting with supportive friends or family, or engaging in creative outlets. Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for healing.
  • Build a support system: Surround oneself with trusted individuals who can offer understanding, empathy, and support. This may include friends, family members, support group members, or online communities of fellow trauma survivors. Sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar challenges can be validating and help reduce feelings of isolation.
  • Practice grounding techniques: Grounding techniques can help individuals stay present and connected to the present moment when they are experiencing distressing trauma-related symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, focusing on sensory experiences (like touching an object or listening to soothing music), or using grounding affirmations can provide a sense of stability and safety.
  • Explore trauma-focused therapies: Consider trauma-focused therapies with their therapist like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or somatic experiencing. These therapies are designed to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, manage symptoms, and promote healing.
  • Prioritize self-compassion: Be gentle and kind to oneself throughout the healing journey. Recognize that healing takes time, and setbacks are normal. Practice self-compassion by offering understanding and forgivenessForgiveness What Is Forgiveness? Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. to oneself during difficult moments.

Remember, everyone’s healing journey is unique, and it is essential to find approaches and strategies that resonate with individual needs and preferences. Seeking professional guidance can provide personalized support and assistance in navigating trauma responses effectively.

And most important …

Remember, this was not their fault!

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

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SCARS the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated

This article is by:
SCARSSociety of Citizens Against Relationship ScamsSCARS SCARS - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. A government registered crime victims' assistance & crime prevention nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. SCARS supports the victims of scams worldwide and through its partners in more than 60 countries around the world. Incorporated in 2015, its team has 30 years of continuous experience educating and supporting scam victims. Visit www.AgainstScams.org to learn more about SCARS. Inc.

A government-registeredgovernment-registered It means to be registered with departments or agencies of the government. In the case of SCARS, we are registered with state and federal governments in the United States, Europe & Asia. SCARS is registered as a crime victims' assistance nonprofit with agencies of the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. And is incorporated in the State of Florida as a nonprofit corporation. scamsScams A Scam is a confidence trick - a crime -  is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their trust through deception. Scams or confidence tricks exploit victims using their credulity, naïveté, compassion, vanity, irresponsibility, or greed and exploiting that. Researchers have defined confidence tricks as "a distinctive species of fraudulent conduct ... intending to further voluntary exchanges that are not mutually beneficial", as they "benefit con operators ('con men' - criminals) at the expense of their victims (the 'marks')". A scam is a crime even if no money was lost. & financial fraud crime victims assistance & crime prevention nonprofit organization headquartered in Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with partners in more than 60 countries worldwide
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SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counselingCounseling Counseling is the professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes. A mental health counselor (MHC), or counselor, is a person who works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Such persons may help individuals deal with issues associated with addiction and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging. They may also work with "Social Workers", "Psychiatrists", and "Psychologists". SCARS does not provide mental health counseling., and so much more!

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The SCARS GREEN BOOK will help you recover from your scam offline and it will always be there when you need it!

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SCARS SLATE BOOK - A Guide For Families & Friends Of Scam Victims

SCARS SLATE BOOK – Let Us Explain What Happened!

A Guide For Families & Friends Of Scam Victims

HOW TO HELP ROMANCE SCAM VICTIMS FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF SCAM VICTIMS

This SCARS Publishing book represents a complete guide to help the families and friends understand how these scams work and how to help the victim.

The SCARS Slate Book should be purchased by family and friends to better understand what happened to the victim and the traumatic impact on them. But it can also be shared by the victim so that they do not have to explain to family and friends about the scam. This publication is to help others to help Scam Victims to make it through this traumatic experience and recover.

Each person is different and it is important to understand how relationship scamsRelationship Scam A Relationship Scam is a one-to-one criminal act that involves a trust relationship and uses deception & manipulation to get a victim to give to the criminal something of value, such as money! Click here to learn more: What Is A Relationship Scam? work and why people are vulnerable; to being scammed, how they were lured in, then groomed and manipulated. This understanding is essential in helping them through the process of ending the scam and then on to recovery. The SCARS Slate Book will provide the information necessary to help support a victim through this process.

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SCARS RED BOOK - Your Personal Scam Evidence & Crime Record Organizer

SCARS RED BOOK
Your Personal Scam Evidence & Crime Record Organizer

ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION TO MAKE THE REPORTING PROCESS SIMPLE!

Helps you get and stay organized. This publication is to help Scam Victims organize their crime information. Complete this information before reporting to the police then bring this book with you

Before or after reporting to the police the RED BOOK gives you a dedicated tool to record all the essential facts of this crime. The Victim, the Scammers, the Money, and your Police interactions. Everything that really matters can be easily recorded for your immediate use and for the future!

As we have seen, money recovery/repayment programs can become available years after the scam ends and you need to keep all the details of this crime in case it is needed. We have also seen scammers being extradited to the U.S. and other countries, this will help in the event you testify or give statements, Additionally, this helps you have your information ready to qualify for victims’ benefits, compensation, or aid.

The Official SCARS RED BOOK is your way of recording all the important facts of this crime so that you do not lose essential information, Complete the RED BOOK then put it away with the confidence that you will have it if or when it is needed.

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SCARS BLUE BOOK - Survivor's Recovery Journal
SCARS LIME BOOK - Wisdom & Motivation for Scam Victims
SCARS CHERRY BOOK - A Guide To Understanding Your Fear
SCARS WORKBOOK - 8 Steps To Improvement
SCARS WORKBOOK - Understanding Self-Blame, Guilt, and Shame
100% of all profit goes to support FREE Scam Victims' Services

See all our books and motivational gifts for scam victims at Shop.AgainstScams.org

100% of all profit goes to help SCARS help more scam victims worldwide.

Your generous purchase allows us to maintain our scam avoidance, support, and recovery services. Please help SCARS and stand proud.

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

U.S. FTCFTC The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government whose principal mission is the enforcement of civil (non-criminal) U.S. antitrust law and the promotion of consumer protection. The FTC can also act as a clearinghouse for criminal reports sent to other agencies for investigation and prosecution. To learn more visit www.FTC.gov or to report fraud visit ReportFraud.FTC.gov at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com

PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

HELP OTHERS STAY SAFE ONLINE – YOUR KNOWLEDGE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
THE NEXT VICTIM MIGHT BE YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBER OR BEST FRIEND!

Updated SCARS RomanceScamsNow.com Posts:

Push Payment Scams

Push PaymentPush Payment An Authorized Push Payment (APP) refers to a type of financial transaction that involves the transfer of money from one bank account to another, initiated by the account holder or an authorized party. It typically occurs through the use of mobile banking apps, online payment platforms, or other electronic means. In an APP, the account holder provides explicit consent or authorization for the payment to be made. This distinguishes it from unauthorized or fraudulent transactions, where the account holder is unaware of or did not give consent for the payment. APPs are commonly used for various purposes, such as paying bills, making purchases, transferring funds to friends or family, and settling financial obligations. They provide a convenient and efficient way to transfer money electronically, eliminating the need for physical cash or paper-based payment methods. It's worth noting that while authorized push payments are generally legitimate transactions, there can be instances of scams or fraudulent activities where individuals are tricked into authorizing payments unknowingly or under false pretenses. It is important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of requests before authorizing any APP. Scams Push Payment Scams Are A Newer [...]

Money Mules Initiative by the United States Department of Justice

Money MulesMoney mules Money mules are a type of money laundering where a person transfers illicit funds through a medium (such as a bank account) to obfuscate where the money came from. There are different types of money mules including witting, unwitting, and complicit. Initiative An Initiative by the United States Department [...]

SMS Pumping Fraud/Scams

SMS Pumping Fraud A Telecom-Based CybercrimeCybercrime Cybercrime is a crime related to technology, computers, and the Internet. Typical cybercrime are performed by a computer against a computer, or by a hacker using software to attack computers or networks. How Scams Work [...]

AI – Deception for Sale

AIAI Artificial intelligence (AI) is wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Machine learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence. - Deception for Sale AI Chatbots, Deepfakes, and [...]

Open Letter To Local Police Officers & Police Leadership

Open Letter To Local PoliceLocal Police The Local Police is your first responder in most countries. In most English-speaking countries and in Europe report to them first. In other countries look for your national cybercrime police units to report scams to. In the U.S., Canada, & Australia, you must report to the local police first. Officers & Police Leadership [...]

The World Online Is Not Safe For Those That Don’t Know!

The Issue Of Race In Scam Reporting
Click Here To Learn More!

FIND SCAMMER PHOTOS ON
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FIND SCARS ON FACEBOOK
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Disclaimer:

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IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

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A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, appsApps Applications or Apps An application (software), commonly referred to as an ‘app’ is a program on a computer, tablet, mobile phone or device. Apps are designed for specific tasks, including checking the weather, accessing the internet, looking at photos, playing media, mobile banking, etc. Many apps can access the internet if needed and can be downloaded (used) either for a price or for free. Apps are a major point of vulnerability on all devices. Some are designed to be malicious, such as logging keystrokes or activity, and others can even transport malware. Always be careful about any app you are thinking about installing., newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use

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All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

SCARS, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL, SCARS, SCARS|SUPPORT, SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|INTERNATION, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA, SCARS|MEMBER, SCARS|VOLUNTEER, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support GroupSupport Group In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic, such as romance scams. Members with the same issues can come together for sharing coping strategies, to feel more empowered and for a sense of community. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy. They can be supervised or not. SCARS support groups are moderated by the SCARS Team and or volunteers., SCARS ANGELS, SCARS RANGERS, SCARS MARSHALLS, SCARS PARTNERS, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org

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