The Role of Procedural Justice in Victim-Police Interactions and Victims Recovery from Victimization Experiences

Abstract Many people in Bangladesh, especially women and children, suffer from heinous crimes like rape, sexual assault, acid burns, domestic abuse, and human trafficking every day. Victimization of property and violent crimes create negative psychological impact on person’s wellbeing. Victims face depression, unsafety, stress and low self-esteem after victimization. The main objective of this study is to find out the role of procedural justice in victim-police contact and victims’ recovery from victimization experiences. In this study, a descriptive qualitative research design is used to describe the healing benefits of procedural justice. In-depth interviews of victims were conducted on the basis of semi-structured questions. Victims feel violated after victimization and violation turns into validation during contacting the police. The study discovered that when police officers acknowledged the victimization experiences of victims, it aided in resolving the harmful psychological consequences of the crime, by providing victims with a feeling of closure, empowerment and security. It was crucial for crime victims that the police validated their victimization experiences. This study suggests that police officers’ actions can significantly influence victims’ recovery from their victimization experiences and procedural justice is a critical component of effective victim services.