Home invasions are all too common in South Africa. They can have a devastating effect on people’s emotions and create feelings of fear and insecurity. In this blog we’ll look at constructive ways to cope with the fallout of such a distressing experience.
1. Understand the Emotional Impact
The first step is to recognize the deep emotional effect that a home invasion has on us. We may or may not have physical damage, but we definitely have psychological damage that could last a long time.
When criminals invade our personal space, it makes us feel terribly insecure. It leaves us with feelings of anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and an overall feeling of unease. The psychological impact can result in post-traumatic stress disorder. If we recognize these emotions in ourselves, we can work on healing ourselves.
2. Find Emotional Support
After a home invasion it is important to acknowledge what is happening to us and to do something about it. Professional counselling provides a safe space for victims to express their emotions and to find a way of dealing with the trauma. It helps people find the path to recovery.
Other ways to get help are support groups, religious groups, and community resources. These avenues offer vital assistance in coping with the emotional toll of a traumatic event like a home invasion.
3. Improve Home Security
To start the process of feeling safe at home again, take some proactive steps to improve your home security. A good way of finding the most cost-effective way of doing this is to get expert help. Trellidor consultants will assess what security you already have and then help you develop a plan to strengthen any weak points.
Most security experts recommend that you have layers of security instead of depending on just one type. For example, choose strong burglar guards on windows, tough security gates on doors, plus a burglar alarm with motion sensors. Or create a safe zone within your home that you can lock yourself into during a break-in.
There are many other ways of protecting yourself against another home invasion, so get advice on the best approach for you.
4. Develop a Security Routine
A security routine can help you feel more in control of your life and home safety. A routine will also help you react in a more structured way to any future attempted home invasion.
A routine could include actions like the following:
- Keep security gates and burglar bars closed and always locked, even when windows and doors are open for fresh air.
- Check that your security gates and burglar bars are locked before bedtime.
- If you have a safe zone, keep keys and valuables in this space, not laying around the house.
- Don’t let anyone onto your property without checking that you know them first.
- Teach your children and helpers to do the same.
5. Use Tech in Home Security
Smart home devices are extremely useful in creating a safe home environment. They will give you peace of mind after a traumatic home invasion.
Here are products worth considering:
- Smart locks: These give you remote control over access to your home. Some can even send instant notifications when someone tries to tamper with them.
- Smart doorbell cameras: With features like two-way communication and motion detection, these cameras offer real-time visuals of your doorstep. Some models even include facial recognition technology.
- Motion-sensor lights: Install lights that are triggered by motion. You can control them remotely through your smartphone to create the impression that your home is occupied.
- Security apps: These apps provide instant alerts and remote monitoring. Some sync with surveillance systems so that you can see your home from anywhere.
6. Legal and Law Enforcement Considerations
Take action and empower yourself by knowing your rights. Report home invasions to the police as soon as possible so that there is some chance of apprehending the criminals. Through the police you may be able to get help from victim support services too and this will help you in your recovery. With legal help you may be able to press charges against the perpetrators and pursue damages.
In conclusion, it is important to understand how a home invasion can affect you emotionally and to work towards healing by taking positive action. Make your home safe again. Get help in dealing with your emotions. Know your legal rights. These steps will help you regain control of your life.