Problems of Forensic Sciences 2012 Vol. 91 (XCI) 208-215
THE CONDITIONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SECONDARY VICTIMISATION EXPERIENCED BY WRONGED PERSONS IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Aleksandra PALUCH
Trainee barrister at the District Bar Council, Kraków, Poland
Streszczenie
The article discusses theories explaining the reasons for the genesis of secondary victimisation and the mechanisms involved, as well as the possible long-term consequences of the experience of secondary victimisation for the psychological functioning of victims. Particular attention is devoted to the role of a sense of harm and injustice in the perception of self-esteem of those experiencing secondary victimisation. Explanations drawn from Social Psychology are presented: the just world hypothesis, the defensive attribution hypothesis and hindsight bias. The analysis concentrates on those elements of penal procedure that facilitate the incrimination of victims, that concern the manner in which victims perceive justice and that reduce their capacity to cope with the crime concerned.
Słowa kluczowe
Secondary victimisation; Just world hypothesis; Victim blaming; Victims’ mental health.