It is not always easy to know if you are a victim of a crime. If you are not sure if you have been a crime victim, call your local police and speak to an officer about the details of your situation. You can also contact a crime victim advocate near you. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Below is a checklist that may help you identify if you are a victim of certain crimes: 

You may be a victim of Intimate Partner Violence or Family Violence or Elder Abuse if your partner, your former partner, or a family member:

• Makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid.
• Puts you down, humiliates you, or makes you feel worthless.
• Constantly checks-up on what you’re doing or where you are going so that you don’t feel like you have any freedom or privacy.
• Controls your money.
• Makes it difficult for you to get or keep a job.
• Stops you from seeing your friends or family.
• Stops you from getting the medical help you need.
• Is threatening or violent towards you or the children or your pets.
• Hurts you or scares you (by hitting, choking, throwing things, destroying things, locking you in, etc.).
• Threatens to hurt you, hurt others, or to kill themselves if you say you want to end the relationship.

You may be a victim of Stalking if someone:

• Is repeatedly following you or showing up wherever you are, and making you feel uncomfortable or afraid.
• Is repeatedly calling you, or sending you texts or emails, or posts on your social media accounts things that are harassing or make you feel uncomfortable.
• Has left you unwanted gifts, notes, or messages.
• Has damaged your car, home, or other belongings.
• Uses hidden cameras or GPS (global positioning systems) to track where you go.
• Has threatened to hurt you or someone you know.

You may be a victim of Human Trafficking if you:

• Are not free to leave your work or living space, or come and go as you wish.
• Are unpaid, paid very little, or only paid through tips.
• Are not allowed breaks, or forced to work extremely long hours.
• Owe your boss a large debt and are unable to pay it off.
• Were recruited through false promises about the type of work you would be doing, and/or the conditions you would be working in.
• Are under 18 and are paid to perform sexual acts.
• Are a sex worker and have a pimp/manager.
• Are not in control of your own money or possessions.
• Are not allowed to keep your own identification documents (like your passport or license).

You may be a victim of Identity Theft if:

• There are withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• There are charges for goods or services you didn’t buy on your credit/debit card statements.
• You receive statements for credit cards you didn’t open.
• There are errors or unfamiliar charges on your credit report.
• Your medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that are not yours.
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or you have income from an employer you don’t work for.

Updated 3/7/23