VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE - PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND AFTER EFFECTS

• NCJ Number: 19802
• Author(s): M SYMONDS
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PAPER PRESENTED TO ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PSYCHOANALYSIS, APRIL 24, 1974

Annotation

THIS PAPER EXAMINES THE INNOCENT OR ACCIDENTAL INVOLVEMENT OF A VICTIM WITH VIOLENT CRIMES AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTER EFFECTS OF SUCH A CRIME.

Abstract

VARIOUS ATTITUDES OF THE POLICE AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL WHICH BLOCK SYMPATHETIC RESPONSES TO THE VICTIM'S PLIGHT ARE DISCUSSED. THESE INCLUDE A A RELUCTANCE OR RESISTANCE TO ACCEPT THE INNOCENCE OR ACCIDENTAL NATURE OF VICTIM BEHAVIOR, THE FEAR OF CONTAMINATION BY THE VICTIM, AND SEEMING INDIFFERENCE TO THE VICTIM'S PLIGHT. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS OF VICTIMS THEMSELVES WHICH ARE DISCUSSED ARE SHOCK, FEAR, ANGER, EXTREME VULUNERABILITY, AND DENIAL. THE AUTHOR LIKENS THE GENERAL REACTIONS OF VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO EXPERIENCES SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS AND SUGGESTS THAT WHAT IS NEEDED IS A WHOLEHEARTED, SYMPATHETIC, AND EMPATHETIC RESPONSE FROM THE COMMUNITY, AND THE POLICE, TOWARDS THE VICTIM. A SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED.