Victimization and Psychological Impacts of Crime against Scheduled Tribes

Abstract

This study describes the profound impact of crime on the victim’s lives from a criminological perspective. It also investigates the serious and wide-ranging psychological impacts of crime on the lives of the victims of Scheduled Tribes, focusing on their unique position as a historically marginalized group in India. By analyzing the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of criminal victimization, the study aims to cover the deep-rooted vulnerabilities that these communities face. Victimization, often resulting from exposure to distressing events such as violent and serious crimes, significantly affects the victim’s psychological and physical well-being. This research delves into the psychological effects of crime, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, aggression, irritation, suicidal tendencies, and avoidance behaviors, which also describes their implications for victim’s daily lives. The study’s objective was to analyze the worst ordeal faced by the victims of a crime and examine the impacts of crime on the victim’s life. A total of 376 cases were registered from 2020 to 2022; 304 victims were interviewed for the study, and 142 victims were found to have been impacted psychologically. The study’s universe was Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, and the survey method was used for an in-depth study. The study found that out of the total respondents, a maximum of 52.6 percent of the victims have faced mental stress problems after the commission of a crime. However, 46.7 percent of the victims have been impacted psychologically after the commission of a crime. The study concluded that the victims who were criminalized by serious crimes faced more psychological impacts due to differences in the affective and cognitive processing of victimization situations. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions, victim support mechanisms, and legal reforms tailored to the needs of Scheduled Tribes communities, with the ultimate goal of reducing victimization, improving access to justice, and enhancing the overall well-being of these marginalized groups.