RESEARCHERS at the University of York are studying the differing reactions of crime victims to their trauma.

The project, funded by the National Probation Service, hopes to develop ways of improving services offered to victims of crime.

A preliminary study conducted in February asked 50 people who had suffered a crime against them to write about their feelings and thoughts. Respondents expressed a variety of emotions including fear, anger, vulnerability, as well as indifference and the ability to think positively. Project co-ordinator Rania Marandos said the results were used to develop a more structured questionnaire, that would enable them to explore different patterns of response to crime and also what factors were important in determining these responses.

She said: "We're hoping to design a much shorter questionnaire out of the responses to decide which people might need help more quickly than others."

Rania said the majority of participants in the preliminary study were students at the University of York, but the current study aimed to reach a larger and more diverse sample of victims. Researchers on the project have questioned more than 100 victims of crime, but need more people to take part. The questionnaire consists of a number of statements that may relate to how you are feeling now about a crime that has happened to you. Rania said: "You will be asked to indicate how much you agree or disagree with each statement. Any crime counts, however long ago it happened, whether or not you have reported it to the police, and whether you feel the crime is affecting you now or not. You do not have to identify yourself on the questionnaire and all data will remain completely confidential."

If you are over 16 and wish to get involved in the research you can contact Rania on 020 79601123 or write to her at Research and Information Unit, London Probation Area, 71/73 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2BN

Updated: 08:53 Wednesday, July 09, 2003