Two bloody crimes in the neighborhood. The police in front of the house and the suspected shooter on the run: The head of Crisis Aid Upper Austria explains how to deal with the terrible events in the Mühlviertel – and how to explain them to children in the most understandable way.
“We have activated more colleagues in the mobile service and expanded the telephone services on the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday” – not only the police, but also the Upper Austrian Crisis Aid are constantly in use after the terrible acts in the Mühlviertel as manager Katja Sieper explains. Ultimately, the uncertainty – no one knows where suspected shooter Roland Drexler is – is a major burden.
“In the beginning, we work with those affected to achieve initial stability in small steps. It’s about simple things: how can I sleep again? What can I do about the fear?”
Answer children’s questions honestly
The Sieper team also supports parents in explaining what happens to children. “Adults should answer children’s questions honestly and in appropriate words, but not tell them more than they want to know,” the expert advises. “For example, when children ask why there are so many police, you can answer: because the police are looking for someone.” This gives children security “because they know they will get honest answers and don’t have to rely on rumors in the WhatsApp class group,” says Sieper.
Breaks can help
If the search for the suspected perpetrator continues longer, the crisis response boss advises those affected and anyone affected to take breaks from media consumption or set times when they can obtain information. Because a constant preoccupation with the subject would increase uncertainty. Sieper: “You can think about something else every now and then.”
Crisis assistance Upper Austria is available 24 hours a day: 0732 / 21 77
Source: Krone
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