Forensic Psychology Flashcards
(103 cards)
What do forensic psychologists do?
They research why some people refuse to believe a relationship is over and stalk their partner
They work with victims or perpetrators of crime
They combine psychological principles with the legal and criminal justice system
What is forensic psychology?
A specialised area of psychology that applies psychological theory and skills to the understanding and functioning of the legal and criminal justice system
What are some of a forensic psychologists areas of specialisation?
Sexual offending, domestic violence, assessments of dangerousness, conducting research, conducting assessments for the court, police work and offender profiling.
Make sure to remember at least two
What are some of a forensic psychologists roles?
Preparing criminal profiles, assessing current or retrospective mental impairments, determining whether a person is ‘fit’ (mentally) to stand trail or enter a plea, they provide advice and expert opinions to the court, assess and treat victims of crime; witnesses of crime and perpetrators of crime, assess the dangerousness of criminals and conduct research.
Remember at least three
Who are some of a forensic psychologist’s clients?
Convicted offenders who need treatment, accused individuals who need medical assessment, ‘not guilty’ individuals due to mental impairment, convicted or alleged offenders who need to be assessed or treated, convicted offenders who are living in the community but seek or require treatment
Where can a forensic psychologist work?
A court room: providing assessments, reports and being an expert witness or giving an expert opinion
A police station: developing profiles for suspects
The treatment room (prisons, special organisations- CPS): assess and treat victims, witnesses and criminals
The research lab: conduct research such as witness studies, jury behaviour and psychology of the courtroom
Remember at least two of the above
Also: forensic mental health units, correctional institutions (prisons), law courts, children protection services, sexual offenders treatment services, domestic violence programs, police, universities, research organisations
What is stalking?
A term used to describe a person’s persistent (continuous) attempts to force unwanted communication or contact on another person that causes the victim fear or distress
How can a stalker communicate?
By phone, letter, fax, email, social media, graffiti, gifts, etc.
How can a stalker make contact with a victim?
Direct approaches, following, loitering, surveillance
What are some other ways a stalker can try to reach out to their victim?
They could order or cancel something for the victim, spread gossip, contact family and friends and make threats to causing harm
Is stalking a criminal behaviour? Explain.
Stalking is a criminal behaviour as you are causing unwanted communication with a victim. Stalking has been considered a crime in Victoria since 1994 and is in the amendment (Act). The penalty is 10 years in prison.
What are the different types of stalkers?
Acronym: RIIPER Rejected stalker Intimacy-seeking stalker Incompetent stalker Predatory stalker Erotomanic stalker Resentful stalker
Why are stalkers classified into different types?
It helps to give them the right treatment as each different type of stalker has a different treatment strategy.
What is a rejected stalker’s typical behaviour?
They have experienced a breakup recently in a personal relationship (can be friendship as well as romantic) and they refuse to believe/accept that the relationship is over. They then use a variety of stalking behaviours to continue to be close to the victim
What is an erotomanic stalker’s typical behaviour?
They are known to have erotomania which is a delusional disorder where they believe that another person or people is in love with this individual.
The stalker would believe this regardless of the evidence or the truth. This is usually associated with someone of a higher status, for example: a celebrity or boss.
What is an intimacy-seeking stalker’s typical behaviour?
They respond to loneliness and try to establish a close relationship with someone in an inappropriate way. They would begin stalking after a brief social encounter and can stalk their victim for a very long time. They don’t see a court order as something that could stop them from stalking and see the punishment for stalking as a ‘price to pay’.
What is a predatory stalker’s typical behaviour?
They pursue their desire for sexual gratification as well as control of others through stalking. They secretly follow their victim and maintain surveillance with contact rarely being made.
What is an incompetent stalker’s typical behaviour?
They lack the social skills and knowledge on how to establish a close relationship with another person yet they want a friend or lover. They use inappropriate methods to ‘keep close contact’. An example is continuously ‘accidentally’ ‘bumping into’ their victims at various social encounters. They may star after a brief social encounter.
What is a resentful stalker’s typical behaviour?
They are obsessed with their victims over a real or imagined insult or made up injury and want to ‘get even’. A possible victim can be a politician or former boss
Who is likely to be a victim of stalking?
Anyone can be a victim of stalking and most victims are ‘average’ people. Other than normal, every day, ‘average’ people, other people who can be stalked are third parties (ex-boyfriends, parents), VIP’s (celebrities, politicians, royalty, athletes), ex-partners, casual acquaintances (‘friend of a friend’), work colleagues or clients, estranged friends or family friends and neighbours.
How long can stalking last for?
Stalking can last for days, weeks, months or even years.
What is the psychological impact of stalking?
The psychological impact is similar to a traumatic experience, like being raped or witnessing a death. Symptoms often include feelings of powerlessness, sever stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, guilt and self blame, anger and irritability, a desire to withdraw from others and feeling suspicious or wary of others
What is the physical impact of stalking?
The victim could have severe sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and a worsening of any physical conditions that were present before the stalking began, for example: high blood pressure, asthma and stomach ulcers.
What are some lifestyle changes due to stalking?
The victim could move house, avoid certain places, cut back on social outings, avoid social outings, take extra security measures or change jobs.
