This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by FREEDY, J. R. Articles by TIDWELL, R. P. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by FREEDY, J. R. Articles by TIDWELL, R. P. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Psychological Adjustment of Recent Crime Victims in the Criminal Justice System

Medical University of South Carolina

HEIDI S. RESNICK

Medical University of South Carolina

DEAN G. KILPATRICK

Medical University of South Carolina

BONNIE S. DANSKY

Medical University of South Carolina

RITCHIE P. TIDWELL

Medical University of South Carolina

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 justice system ( N = 251). About one half of the participants met PTSD diagnostic criteria during their lifetime. Females were overrepresented in the more violent crimes (e.g., homicide and sexual assault). Victims of more violent crimes—who sustained physical injuries, who perceived 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 criminal justice system should provide a range of victim services. However, most participants reported inadequate access to services. Also, receipt of psychological counseling and diagnostic status were significantly associated with crime type. Results imply that crime victims involved in the criminal justice system are at risk for developing PTSD, which often never is addressed by a mental health professional due to inadequate access to health care services.

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 9, No. 4, 450-468 (1994)
DOI: 10.1177/088626094009004002


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				P. Boxer, K. Middlemass, and T. Delorenzo Exposure to Violent Crime During Incarceration: Effects on Psychological Adjustment Following Release Criminal Justice and Behavior, August 1, 2009; 36(8): 793 - 807. [Abstract] [PDF]

				U. Orth and A. Maercker Do Trials of Perpetrators Retraumatize Crime Victims? J Interpers Violence, February 1, 2004; 19(2): 212 - 227. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Elklit Acute Stress Disorder in Victims of Robbery and Victims of Assault J Interpers Violence, August 1, 2002; 17(8): 872 - 887. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. Finkelhor, J. Wolak, and L. Berliner Police Reporting and Professional Help Seeking for Child Crime Victims: A Review Child Maltreat, February 1, 2001; 6(1): 17 - 30. [Abstract] [PDF]