The Open Criminology Journal

2015, 8 : 36-48
Published online 2015 May 8. DOI: 10.2174/1874917801508010036
Publisher ID: TOCRIJ-8-36

Repeat Victimisation, Retraumatisation and Victim Vulnerability

Nicola Graham-Kevan , Matthew Brooks , VJ Willan , Michelle Lowe , Phaedra Robinson , Roxanne Khan , Rachel Stokes , May Irving , Marta Karwacka and Joanne Bryce
School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, UK. PR1 2HE.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the contribution that traumatic experiences and psychological post-traumatic stress symptoms make to predicting subsequent revictimisation in a sample of violent crime victims. In addition, the timing of first trauma exposure was also explored. Fifty-four adult victims (27 male and 27 female) of police recorded violent crime were interviewed and their traumatic exposure history, trauma symptomology, age at first trauma exposure as well as psychological and psychosocial functioning were assessed. These victims were followed longitudinally and subsequent revictimisation between six and twelve months post index victimisation measured. A greater number of types of trauma exposure was related lower emotional stability, higher trauma symptomology and revictimisation. Those victims with childhood traumatic exposure reported more trauma symptomology exposure than those without prior exposure. The implications for law enforcement and victim services are discussed.

Keywords:

Crime , victims, violence, psychological trauma, post traumatic press.