Victimology Final Exam - 09 Flashcards
when was the crime of vehicular homicide regulated in italy ? what is the article is it?
it was regulated in the criminal code by law no 41 of 23 march 2016; Article 589 bis of the criminal code: “whoever culpably causes the death of a person in violation of the rules on road traffic regulations shall be punished by imprisonment of two to seven years
is vehicular homicide considered crime worldwide?
in many countries worldwide, vehicular homicide is not considered an aggravating factor in laws concerning road safety
What specific circumstances increase or decrease the penalty of road traffic homicide in italy?
• Is in a state of psycho-physical alteration resulting from the consumption of substances or in a state of serious alcoholic drunkenness (blood alcohol level above 1.5g/L - 3
beers of 330ml): imprisonment from 8 to 12 years
• Is in a state of medium alcoholic drunkenness (0.8-1.5g/L): imprisonment from 5 to 10
• Causes injury/death to more than one person
Who are the indirect victims of a road traffic homicide?
¡ The natural person who has suffered harm,
including physical, mental or emotional harm, or
economic loss, which has been directly caused by a
crime.
¡ The family member of a person whose death was
directly caused by a crime and who suffered harm
as a result of that person’s death
What is the definition of trauma?
If one thinks about the very definition of trauma
in the DSM-5, it does not only refer to the direct
experience of death, the threat of death or
serious injury; it also refers to the coming to
terms with these events in respect of a loved one
suddenly. As pointed out earlier, death due to
road accidents is sudden and what the family
experiences is, to all intents and purposes, a
traumatic event, with the consequences that this entails
What are victims needs after a road traffic accident?
both direct and indirect victims may need
psychological support, there are other needs that differ between
the two types. For example:
¡ Direct victims: medical care;
¡ Family members: information support about the consequences of the accident or how to deal with the bureaucratic procedures following the death of a loved one
At the accident location what should be kept in mind immediately after the accident ?
Paramedics are usually the first responders at the scene of the
accident, so they can provide support in the ‘here and now’
when witnesses and victims themselves are frightened and
cannot understand what has happened to them. It should also
be borne in mind that the victim’s family members, in addition
to being themselves involved in the accident, may receive
information about what happened from friends or the media
and reach their loved ones immediately. Consequently, the
way in which professionals come into contact with the victim
becomes extremely important to avoid exposure to further
sources of stress.
What are some actions that can avoid further stress and increase the willingness of the victim to undergo medical procedures or to seek subsequent psychological help?
- Taking a position of empathic and active listening towards
emotions, often ambivalent felt by the victim. 2. Providing information about what happened to restore calm. 3. Helping the victim to feel they have control over the situation 4. Emphasise what the survivor has done to ensure saftey “you’ve done everything correctly” 5. Communicate effectively the information worst, such as death of a family member in the accident.
In what cases might one need greater understanding of the psychological effects of the victim and family memebers?
In extremely serious situations, other figures, such as the
fire brigade, who are needed when the victim is trapped in
the vehicle and has to be quickly transported to the
ambulance, may intervene. It is therefore also necessary
for these operators to have a greater understanding of
the psychological effects that their procedures may have
on the accident victim and the family members witnessing
the action.
How can it be helpful in hospitals for patients and family members to cope with trauma after an accident?
Anne Cummins, around the end of the 1800s in England, first
brought out the figure of the Medical Social Worker, operators
who work in hospitals and offer psychological and psychosocial
support to the patient and/or family members by identifying
psychological, emotional and behavioural reactions to trauma.
Although this figure has been established in other countries, in
Italy, to date, there is still no similar role. It would therefore be
necessary to implement an appropriate tool in emergency rooms
to immediately identify patients and their families who are at
greater risk of developing psychological disorders and to make
psychological counselling available at trauma centres and hospitals
that deal with road accident victims.
How is death notified?
death may occur after arrival at the hospital and, consequently, it will
be the responsibility of the hospital staff to manage this delicate moment; however, this task will more likely be entrusted to law enforcement officers if family members are not informed of the event and need to go to their home
The way in which death is communicated can influence:
- the reaction of the person at the moment of the news. 2. The process of coping and grieving. 3. the psychological sated of the family members
What are some things to keep in mind when communicating delicate matter such as death ?
- listening to the family member is essential. 2. always take a genuine interest in what the victim is saying 3. things not to say “I know how you feel” 4. Reactions can aslo be violent and angry 5. hand over personal belongings
what are the four stages when conducting a proper gief communication
- preparation 2. giving the news 3. coping with the reactions of family members 4. leaving
How must one prepare for the grief communication?
Identify the most appropriate practitioner to
handle the communication of the news to the
family member, bearing in mind that good
communication is primarily about knowledge of
the incident and the level of emotional
involvement. Subsequently, preparation involves
gathering information in three areas : Event circumstances - answering family member’s questions, balancing the need not to dwell on details and to provide sufficient information to reconstruct the context of the loss. Victim: avoid mistakes and use his or her name when communicating with the family member. Family members : identify the most suitable person to recieve the communication considering, for example , any health problems that might put the person at risk of recieving the news
What are the key steps in “giving the news”?
- preparation: make it explicit that you are about to give bad news “I have bad news to tell you”. 2. Background: introduce the ain topic: “Marco has been involved in a car accident this morning” 3. Fact: Recport the incident in a direct, concrete, simple way. Use the word “dead” instead of “no longer with us” or “passed away” which maybe create confusion and false hopes . 4. Condolences: represent participation in the others grief so to be appropriate, there must first be a grief response from the person
