The analysis of the discourse of 15 victims of crimes regarding their experience with the criminal justice system revealed that victims attempt to distance themselves from the criminal proceedings, realizing that they need to take charge of their own recovery since the criminal justice system can’t help them in this regard. Most victims’ in the sample were able to make external attributions regarding the treatment they received (i.e. they understand that the treatment received is due to their “victim” status and not their personal characteristics). Therefore, many refuse their “victim” status and turn towards rewarding activities in various areas of their life and start taking charge of their own recovery. The criminal justice system appears to trigger victims’ impression of powerlessness, which drives victims to detach themselves from it. The exclusion of victims, the absence of information about the current proceedings and the recourses available, and the paternalistic approach of the criminal justice system towards victims all contribute to this sense of powerlessness. Therefore, enforcing victims’ rights could lead to a better treatment of victims who would be more satisfied of their experience with the criminal justice system.