The dual impact of procedural injustice: police procedural injustice harms the mental health of crime victims and induces feelings of exclusion

• In Event: The Unintended Consequences of Policing

Abstract

Police behaviour perceived as uncaring, insensitive, or intimidating has been linked to negative mental health outcomes for crime victims. However, the role of police-induced exclusion - feeling marginalised, unimportant, and lacking belonging - remains less understood. Using an online survey of crime victims who interacted with police (N = 504), this study tested four hypotheses: the direct effect of procedural injustice on mental health, the impact of police-induced exclusion on mental health, the link between procedural injustice and exclusion, and whether procedural injustice worsens exclusion, further undermining mental health. Findings challenge the idea that procedural injustice harms mental health primarily by inducing exclusion. Instead, procedural injustice both harms mental health and fosters exclusion, but these effects operate independently. Results held after controlling for crime type, severity, and socio-demographic factors. Qualitative responses and follow-up interviews highlight how procedural injustice deprives victims of psychological recovery factors - safety, validation, justice, and agency. The study underscores the need for emotionally intelligent and procedurally fair policing to support victims' well-being.

Authors

• Arabella Kyprianides, University College London

• Ben Bradford, University College London