Recht doen aan de behoeften van cybercrimeslachtoffers: reflecties op de rol van de politie

Doing justice to the needs of cybercrime victims: reflections on the role of the police Rising cybercrime rates present challenges for the police, often resulting in limited investment in cybercrime cases. These challenges can extend to the relationship with reporting victims. Also, the characteristics of cybercrime, such as anonymity and technical complexity, could lead to distinct victim needs. This study examines the needs and reporting experiences of cybercrime compared to traditional crime victims. We focused on financial (bank account hacking; bank helpdesk fraud) and person-centered (online threat; image-based sexual abuse); and financial (home burglary; doorstep deception) cybercrime, and person-centered (threat; sexual assault) traditional crime. In our survey study, we analysed the responses of 910 reporting victims. Our findings show that cyber-financial crime victims express stronger practical/information needs, namely where to turn for help, information about the crime, financial compensation and prevention advice. They also express greater emotional/social needs, namely for recognition of the crime and prevention for others. Conversely, victims of traditional person-centered crimes express stronger emotional/social needs for recognition of the crime, being taken seriously, sharing feelings and prevention for others. Reporting experiences were similar among cyber and traditional financial crime victims. However, receiving information about the crime and prevention advice were rated higher among person-centered traditional crime compared to cybercrime victims, and they less strongly reported increasing impact because of the police response. The study confirms that victims of both cyber and traditional crimes have needs across all categories. Furthermore, we have identified factors such as peritraumatic stress, age, gender, and financial loss that influence these needs. We discuss the implications for law enforcement, emphasizing the necessity of addressing victim needs comprehensively, particularly in financial cybercrime cases where victims express stronger needs but generally receive less practical and emotional support. Additionally, we stress the importance of procedural justice and responsiveness to victim needs in maintaining police legitimacy.