Empowering People Who Have JUST Been Harmed
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
An AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness™ Approach
By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Principal Consultant and Creator, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness
Today, artificial intelligence (AI) can provide accessible, evidence-based strategies, tools, and support during a challenging experience. This 24/7 availability can be practical and particularly helpful.
AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) goes a step further by recognizing the ethical and responsible interface between the cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence and the depth, uniqueness, and complexity of human emotion. Beyond strategies and techniques, AIEW recognizes a fundamental truth: authentic, face-to-face human presence remains irreplaceable—and essential—in helping people who've been harmed.
During a crisis, the human response to an overwhelming event, when our coping and problem-solving abilities are overwhelmed, AIEW offers a powerful and timely framework: the integration of artificial intelligence with the irreplaceable need for authentic human presence.
While there’s a large body of literature focusing on crisis intervention, there’s been little written about what you can do during a traumatic experience. This prompted me to create Acute Traumatic Stress Management (ATSM), a “traumatic stress response protocol” designed to empower caregivers in addressing emergent psychological needs.
When ATSM is combined with AIEW, we have a contemporary, evidence-based, human-centered approach to helping people who’ve just been harmed.
Chatbots and virtual therapists can offer useful guidance and support. Still, AIEW makes an important distinction: AI can serve as a bridge to care—but it should never be mistaken for a substitute for human interaction.
The following are Ten Things to Do If You’ve JUST Been Harmed:
1. Prioritize Immediate Safety
Take immediate action to ensure your safety. If there’s an ongoing threat or potential danger, move to a secure location as quickly as possible. If needed, contact the appropriate authorities or emergency services for assistance. Never delay calling emergency services when imminent danger exists.
2. Address Acute Medical Needs
Seek medical attention—even if injuries appear minor. This protects your health and creates important documentation. It’s easy to minimize in the moment, but it’s not worth the risk.
3. Report What Happened
Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and provide as clear and detailed an account as possible, along with any available evidence. This is a personal decision, shaped by safety and readiness.
4. Preserve Evidence
Maintain all relevant records—medical, legal, digital, and photographic. Don’t alter or discard anything, even if it seems insignificant at the time. Small details often become important later.
5. Document the Event
I learned this lesson from my late cousin, a prominent judge: document everything immediately. Write down what you remember—details, statements, times, locations, and witnesses. Even if it feels repetitive, get it down. You’ll be glad you did.
6. Turn to Family and Friends
Reach out to people you trust. The support of others can be stabilizing, especially when your thinking may not be as clear as usual. Speaking about what happened takes courage.
7. Seek Mental Health Support
Working with a mental health professional can help you process the experience and begin to regain a sense of control. AI can point you in the right direction—but it shouldn’t be the endpoint of care. PsychologyToday can help you identify a mental health professional in your area.
8. Consult a Legal Professional
An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through complex decisions. This is where clarity becomes especially important, and having the right guidance matters.
9. Keep Track of Expenses
Document all expenses related to the incident—medical, legal, therapeutic, and lost income. It may feel tedious, but it can make a significant difference later on.
10. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself about the type of harm you’ve experienced. Familiarize yourself with the resources available for victims. And always remember this:
Challenges don’t define us. How we respond to them often does.
While much has been written about helping people in the aftermath of a crisis, there’s comparatively little information about what you can do during and in the wake of a traumatic experience. This is where AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness and Acute Traumatic Stress Management can be invaluable.