NCJ Number
180803
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on a study that examined the relevance of repeat victimization for coping with a future victimization and for indicating who needs victim support.
Abstract
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Longitudinal Study on the Psychological Impact of Criminal Victimization was conducted from September 1992 to January 1996. The study consisted of a series of measurements taken among crime victims and a matched sample of control subjects/nonvictims over time and at various postvictimization times. Findings show that the likelihood of developing traumatic memories in response to a critical incident is determined by episode-driven and victim-driven psychological processes. The concept of trauma susceptibility and the related concept of a personal vulnerability profile exemplify victim-driven processes. The notion that repeat victimization forms part of this profile is empirically underscored. The study also found that for some victims, prior victimization constitutes a risk factor, enhancing trauma susceptibility; for other victims, however, prior victimization serves as a protective factor. Coping with a prior victimization appears to be the critical process that underlies the impact of repeat victimization. Repeat victimization is a relevant criterion for police referral decisions to victim support services and for actively contacting needy victims by victim support workers. As a rule of thumb, the spontaneous reporting of prior victimizations and of coping problems with that victimization during a police interview is indicative of a need for support. 3 figures, 23 references, and 3 notes