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Session Submission Summary

Harming instead of Helping: Institutional Betrayal, Trauma and Total Institutions

Fri, Nov 15, 8:00 to 9:20am, Salon 10 - Lower B2 Level

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The concept of institutional betrayal (IB), introduced by Jennifer Freyd in 2008, emphasizes the impact of misdeeds by purportedly benevolent or protective institutions on their dependent individuals. Since introducing the concept its relevance has surged, evidenced by mounting publications, conferences, and research grants on the topic. The idea gained attention due to government and medical industry failures during the pandemic. Other arenas showcase its impact within military branches, churches, universities, schools, institutions, and places of work in cases of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, police brutality, judicial betrayal, or neglectful responses to abuse or assault. Institutional betrayal provides insight into bullying, discrimination, and retaliation, highlighting the ways it can affect whistleblowers and activists. While IB’s implications are wide in range, this panel features presentations that illustrate its relevance to criminology. The first paper examines the concept as it relates to wrongful convictions in the criminal legal system centering the impact on its victims. The second paper gives voice to a scholar survivor’s experiences in the troubled teen industry (TTI) and higher education. Finally, the last paper examines institutional betrayal adjacent to the criminal legal system, looking at private youth behavioral modifications programs, part of the TTI.

Sub Unit

Individual Presentations