Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
VICTIMIZATION
Montana Nowak
Abstract
In this paper, the behavioral and psychological impact of crime victimization will be
investigated. First, the paper will provide an introduction to the topic of crime victimization.
Second, the psychological impact of crime victimization will be discussed. This section will
explore reported psychological changes for both short-term and long-term symptoms and
disorders. Third, the paper will discuss the behavioral impacts on relationships after crime
addressed. Fourth, the concept of secondary victimization will be examined. This section will
consider the secondary impact of law enforcement, loved ones, and the criminal justice system.
Finally, the paper will conclude by summarizing the importance of understanding the behavioral
victimization
BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION 3
Crime victimization has been extensively studied in the forms of data analysis and
population surveys. Assessment of crime victimization in the United States began in the 1960s
when surveys were sent to residents. These surveys were self-reporting and were eventually
titled the National Crime Victimization Surveys (Bartol & Bartol, 2019). From these reviews,
there are statistically about forty-million incidents resulting in victimization a year. These
incidents cost the government and the victims over nine-billion dollars annually. In 2017, crimes
categorized as “violent” against a victim 12 years or older increased by 17% overall (Morgan &
Truman, 2018). The impact of crime victimization extends beyond the primary victim and
additionally impacts secondary victims such as friends, families, and even neighbors. Fear of
becoming a victim of crime has shaped the behaviors of the general population. This includes
individuals choosing to drive instead of walk or some chose to not leave their homes.
Unfortunately, even through precaution, crime still occurs and victims are permanently affected.
Victims respond to crime differently and the process from the crime itself to healing after a trial
all have an effect. This paper will investigate and identify the behavioral and psychological
Psychological Impacts
The psychological impacts of crime victimization are vast in that each victim is unique in
how they cope and interpret their victimization. This variation continues as a victim attempts to
move forward and navigate their physical or mental recovery potentially for a lifetime. Through
the National Crime Victimization Surveys, the prevalence of certain psychological disorders and
impacts have been recorded. Connections have been made between crime victimization and
social phobias, depression, and suicide (Parsons & Bergin, 2010). Additionally, victims have
BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION 4
also reported a loss of sleep, confidence, and self-esteem. Fear after a crime can be more
impactful than the immediate damages of the crime. Victims may continually avoid situations
which can disrupt relationships, careers, and lifestyles. Personal feelings of safety are also
noticeably reduced after becoming a victim of any crime. About 30% of crime victims install
new types of security in their homes such as additional locks or automated systems (Tseloni &
Zarafonitou, 2008). Fear in victims may then evolve into disorders such as Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For example, a
woman who was raped in her home installs new locks on her doors and windows. She begins to
worry if she locked them all before bed and begins a pattern or checking the locks which then
begins to become impulsive. Similar situations have been reviewed for cases of PTSD in both
Impact on Relationships
One heavily researched area of impact due to crime victimization is a person’s ability to
function as an intimate partner or a spouse. There are two types of behaviors that are commonly
seen in children or adults who have experienced crime victimization (Hanson et. al., 2010). The
first is both hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms. Behaviors that would be classified as
hyperarousal include outburst of anger and high irritability in decision making. For avoidance
behaviors, common symptoms would be seen as a loss of interest in activities and feelings of
detachment towards a partner (Hanson et. al., 2010). The second category of behaviors focuses
on a victim’s ability to form secure attachments. This is frequently due to the loss of trust in
Individuals who have been victims of sexual crimes tend to report significant difficulties
in relationships. It is estimated that 50% to 80% of both men and women who are sexual victims
BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION 5
ultimately end up divorced. Researchers found that psychologically, victims of sexual assault
have difficulties utilizing their partner for emotional support and communicating with their
partners (Parson & Bergin, 2010). Another important aspect of investigating the impact of sexual
crimes is a victim’s ability to sexually function. Victims of rape have reported avoiding sexual
encounters and overall reduced perception of sexual satisfaction. Hanson et. al. (2010) stated that
“that 59% of sexual assault victims reported at least one sexual dysfunction, compared to only
17% of nonvictims. In addition, 69% of victims who reported sexual dysfunction viewed their
assault as the cause of their problems” (p. 136). As stated previously, the victim themselves are
not the only victim of a crime due to the extent of the total impact. Relationships heavily suffer
from crime victimization but can also develop through proper counseling and assistant to the
victim.
Secondary Victimization
Crime victimization has a multitude of layers in truly understanding the depth of the
impact. This idea is implemented when analyzing the concept of secondary victimization. Wylie
and Rufino (2018) define secondary victimization as “the victimization which occurs, not as a
direct result of the criminal act, but through the response of institutions and individuals to the
victim” (p. 31). Secondary victimization can be identified in countless forms. This includes the
process of the criminal investigation, experience in a hospital after victimization, and even the
media. Families and friends of the victims can also contribute to secondary victimization. This is
often classified as victim blaming or urging the victim to move on and forget about what
the victim’s perceptions of the criminal justice process. When beginning the lengthy process of
BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION 6
interacting with law enforcement, lawyer, and the justice system, crime victims have reported
various psychological and behavioral impacts. The highest reported feeling during this process is
powerlessness and lack of rights in comparison to the person being accused (Fisher & Lab 2010).
It has also been found that victims of rape and violent crimes described that their experience in
the justice system negatively added to their overall trauma (Parsons & Bergin, 2010). Victims of
rape specifically expressed the psychological trauma associated with reporting the crime. Similar
issues are noted for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault (Morgan & Truman, 2018).
Fortunately, victim assistance programs have developed to keep victims informed and provide
them with a strong voice during their trial. These programs also aid in providing emotional
support for the victim and their families (Fisher & Lab, 2010).
Conclusion
victimization will allow for a deeper understanding of crime in the United States. Through
surveys like the National Crime Victimization Survey, law enforcement can gain a better
understanding of the processes and policies they should adjust in order to minimize the impacts
of crime victimization. Organizations and current support systems, such as victim assistance
programs, can use this information to better their services and promote positive strategies to
allow for victims to successfully move forward after being victimized. By understanding both the
behavioral and psychological impact of crime victimization, law enforcement and the judicial
system can continue to advance their ability to reduce the impact of crime.
BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME VICTIMIZATION 7
References
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology. (5th ed.) Thousand
Fisher, B., & Lab, S. (2010). Encyclopedia of victimology and crime prevention. Thousand Oaks,
Hanson, R., Sawyer, G., Begle, A., & Hubel, G. (2010). The impact of crime victimization on
Morgan, R., & Truman, J. (2018, December 21). Criminal Victimization, 2017. Retrieved from
http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=6466
Parsons, J., & Bergin, T. (2010). The impact of criminal justice involvement on victims' mental
Tseloni, A., & Zarafonitou, C. (2008). Fear of crime and victimization. European Journal of
Wylie, L., & Rufino, K. (2018). The impact of victimization and mental health symptoms on