Jr. Freedy et al., THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT OF RECENT CRIME VICTIMS IN THE CRIMINAL-JUSTICE SYSTEM, Journal of interpersonal violence, 9(4), 1994, pp. 450-468
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Family Studies","Psychology, Social","Criminology & Penology
The goals of this investigation were to examine the prevalence of Post
-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and victim service utilization among
crime victims and family members recently involved in the criminal ju
stice system (N = 251). About one half of the participants met PTSD di
agnostic criteria during their lifetime. Females were overrepresented
in the more violent crimes (e.g., homicide and sexual assault). Victim
s of more violent crimes-who sustained physical injuries, who perceive
d that they would be seriously injured, and who perceived their lives
were threatened-were more likely to suffer from PTSD than victims who
did not have these characteristics. Most participants believed the cri
minal justice system should provide a range of victim services. Howeve
r, most participants reported inadequate access to services. Also, rec
eipt of psychological counseling and diagnostic status were significan
tly associated with crime type. Results imply that crime victims invol
ved in the criminal justice system are at risk for developing PTSD, wh
ich often never is addressed by a mental health professional due to in
adequate access to health care services.