[Bank robbery as trauma--"but who understands me?"]

The different ways victims behave and feel after having experienced a bank robbery as well as some of the usual questions they may ask will be described using a typical case. The symptoms produced by a trauma do not only require a treatment based on empathy but also special attention. Should you ever have to deal with a traumatized victim of a robbery, the first and most important thing is not to leave the person alone. Simply talking to the person, without any reproaches may already help to calm him/her down. The most helpful thing is to involve the family, relatives and friends in further care. If the victim does not react when talking to him/her and counselling does not produce relief, then medication is advisable. If the persons have been taken hostage, or in the case of strong symptoms, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Therefore, dealing with victims after a bank robbery can be compared with a balancing act on a tightrope. A lot of sensitivity and patience are required.