Conversational AI to support victims of crime: the case of usury

• In Event: Addressing Violence Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Conversational AI is gaining more and more acceptance in the field of mental health and especially in the context of crime. This technology is playing an increasingly important role in supporting victims in situations where direct access to help is limited. This presentation will explore the role that conversational AI can play with potential victims and victims of usury. The research presented here focuses on the criminological and psychological “profiling” of usury victims and potential usury victims to feed a conversational AI algorithm aimed at 1) recognising potential usury victims in a risk situation, including by detecting clues about the victims’ mental health status (possible problems and/or mental disorders) typical of usury victims, and facilitating their connection with protection networks; 2) urging victims to apply for access to economic support; 3) facilitating reporting by victims. The research is part of a larger project on usury carried out by the University of Trento in collaboration with other Italian universities.

Authors

• Giulia Perrone, Research fellow, Faculty of Law​, Univeristy of Trento

• Andrea Di Nicola, ​Associate professor of criminology, Faculty of Law​, University of Trento​, and director of the​ ​Centre of Security and Crime Sciences​ (University of Trento and University of Verona​)​

• Gabriele Baratto, Faculty of Law, University of Trento | Centre of Security and Crime Sciences, University of Trento and University of Verona