The study addresses the experiences of indirect victims in child sexual homicide cases and parole application procedures. It was published in a special issue on homicide of the scientific journal Behavioral Sciences & the Law.
Fundación Amparo y Justicia published an article in the prestigious international journal Behavioral Sciences & the Law. In this special issue about sexual homicides, the organization had the opportunity to share an interesting study focused on parole processes, entitled: “Participation experiences of indirect victims of child sexual homicide in parole proceedings.”. The study, conducted by María Asunción Luksic, Nicolás Pietrasanta, Alejandra Acosta, and María Soledad Álvarez, analyzes the expectations of indirect victims that have been involved in these processes, considering three aspects: information, participation, and support.
Regarding to investigation’s primary results, María Soledad Álvarez, Doctor in Psychology and researcher, said: “We were able to observe that people expect to get clear and timely information about the application process, receive guidance on how the commissions in charge of the records work, and learn about their resolutions. In addition, they express their desire to be part of the process by expressing their opinion to the commission, whether verbally or written, because this process affects them.”
They also have expectations of receiving protection in the event the sentenced person is granted parole. Also, they need to receive specialized support to face emotional consequences that might emerge during this stage, since these situations have a fresh impact on their grief process.
Publishing the study in this important journal is particularly relevant considering the new regulations that were recently passed. Act 21,624 updates the process to apply to parole and other intra-penitentiary benefits for people sentenced to custodial sentences.
You can read the article published in Behavioral Sciences & the Law by clicking the following link. It can be accessed through academic institutions, or privately in a paid version. More publications on this issue are available in the Foundation’s Digital Library.
