Running head: BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CRIME

VICTIMIZATION

Behavioral and Psychological Impact of Crime Victimization

Montana Nowak

Saint Leo University

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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

victimization. Difficulty communicating, forming attachments, and sexually function will be

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

and psychological impact of crime victimization.

Keywords: behavioral impact, crime victimization, psychological impact, secondary

victimization
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Behavioral and Psychological Impact of Crime Victimization

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

impacts of crime victimization.

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
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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

short-term and long-term effects.

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

people surrounding the victim.

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

happened to them (Wylie & Rufino, 2018).

A significant piece in understanding the impacts of secondary victimization is analyzing

the victim’s perceptions of the criminal justice process. When beginning the lengthy process of
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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

Continued studies analyzing the behavioral and psychological impact of crime

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.
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References

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology. (5th ed.) Thousand

Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN-13: 978-1-5063-8724-6

Fisher, B., & Lab, S. (2010). Encyclopedia of victimology and crime prevention. Thousand Oaks,

CA: SAGE Publications. (2010).

Hanson, R., Sawyer, G., Begle, A., & Hubel, G. (2010). The impact of crime victimization on

quality of life. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23(2), 189-197. doi:10.1002/jts.20508

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

health. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23(2), 182-8. doi:10.1002/jts.20505

Tseloni, A., & Zarafonitou, C. (2008). Fear of crime and victimization. European Journal of

Criminology, 5(4), 387-409.

Wylie, L., & Rufino, K. (2018). The impact of victimization and mental health symptoms on

recidivism for early system-involved juvenile offenders. Law and Human

Behavior, 42(6), 558-569. doi:10.1037/lhb0000311