For some, a trip out of town at holiday-time is beneficial. A birthday can be something that is meaningful to you. You will grieve. Allow yourself to grieve. It is a key part of the healing process.
Most victims are new to the workings of the criminal justice system.
As you progress through various stages, you may become angry and frustrated because your impressions of the justice system are false. People naturally want to see justice done swiftly so that they can heal from that part of the trauma. For example, you may find that the justice system does not always prevail. Sometimes, the guilty are released on procedural grounds. Many homicide cases are never solved or do not result in convictions, even if the identity of the offender is known.