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Results for victims of crime, psychological impacts

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Author: Dzelme, Inta

Title: Psychological Effects of Hate Crime – Individual Experience and Impact on Community

Summary: This report highlights outcomes of a qualitative study of the psychological effects on victims of hate crime in Latvia. It is a response to the question of why the immediate awareness and knowledge of the experience of hate crime victims is an important issue for the whole community. The study provides an overview of the research question, surveys the relevant literature, provides observations on the methodology applied, presents concrete field materials and data, and offers a discussion and summary of outcomes and implications. The analysis evolved from six in-depth interviews with hate crime victims and from an open focus group meeting of seven participants. The research participants were representatives of the so-called visible minorities, of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons), and of the Roma in Latvia. During the individual interviews and the group meeting, the experiences of victimisation were described both from the time of the incident and as perceived effects later. The description of experiences included thoughts, feelings, body sensations, the impact on themselves and others, and on their way of being in the world. Disclosure of the experiences was allowed to emerge spontaneously, unhampered by any prior expectations of this researcher. The collected data was analysed in accordance with qualitative research methods and standards. Nine core themes were identified as inherent in the experience: (1) trying to comprehend the victimisation: attempting not to take it personally; (2) seeing hate incidents as a burden on daily life; (3) far reaching impact of physical attacks; (4) passivity and lack of help from the people around; (5) physical symptoms and stress; (6) multiple layers of psychological impact; (7) personal consequences of victimisation; (8) impact on significant others, families, and children; and (9) consequences to the community; resentment of injury. This study reflects the psycho-emotional effects of experiencing hate crime victimisation in Latvia. Individual consequences include various physical and psychological constraints, including but not limited to changes in appearance and behaviours; attempts to construct personal safety measures; damage to self confidence; strain on personal relationships; restricted social activities; and withdrawal. The social consequences (i.e. resentment, constriction, emigration) of these experiences are analysed along with suggestions for future integration strategies. The determination to take part in activities for bettering the prevailing status of their social group and apparent burnout in some cases is discussed. Possible limitations of this investigation are also addressed.

Details: Riga, Latvia: Latvian Centre for Human Rights, 2008. 47p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 19, 2012 at: http://www.humanrights.org.lv/upload_file/Naida_noziegums_ENG_cietusajiem_Internetam.pdf

Year: 2008

Country: Latvia

URL: http://www.humanrights.org.lv/upload_file/Naida_noziegums_ENG_cietusajiem_Internetam.pdf

Shelf Number: 125025

Keywords:
Bias-Motivated Crimes
Hate Crimes (Latvia)
Victims of Crime, Psychological Impacts