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May 4, 2010

Natasha Aeriel recently took the witness stand to tell the court what she remembers from the summer day in August 2007, when her brother and a friend were killed and she was scarred, reports the New York Times.

Aeriel was robbed, beaten, and molested before one of her attackers tried cutting her neck with a machete. She fought off one attacker and began to run away when she was shot by another. She crawled as far as she could before passing out. The next thing she remembers is awaking in an ambulance, the news source reports.

Since surviving that brutal attack she has endured multiple procedures to remove bullet fragments from her ear and jaw.

Aeriel was supported by more than 20 friends and relatives in the courtroom as she gave her testimony about the attack that was perpetrated by six individuals.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 1991 to 2005, homicide rates among persons ages 10 to 24 were higher than all other ages combined.

The National Center for Victims of Crime has been working to assist victims in getting help and information they need as well as providing abundant resources and references.

Many women who have been through a violent attack may experience long-lasting emotional side-effects and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Individuals seeking to thrive despite having experienced a violent conflict or PTSD may also turn to the Trauma Resource Institute.

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