Psychological Experiences of Ocular Trauma and Traumatic Dental Injury Victims of Police Violence

TL;DR

This study explores the psychological effects of emergency care on victims of police violence who suffered eye or dental injuries, highlighting retraumatization and revictimization.

Contribution

The study identifies revictimization and retraumatization as key psychological phenomena in healthcare settings following police-inflicted injuries.

Findings

Retraumatization and revictimization are common in healthcare for victims of police violence.

Interpersonal relationships with healthcare providers influence psychological outcomes.

Expectations of care and treatment significantly affect recovery experiences.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ocular trauma (OT) and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) inflicted by police officers not only cause significant physical harm, but also psychological trauma. The clinical attention given by health care teams may induce revictimization or retraumatization phenomena, which affect the psychological status of the victim. The objective of this research is to bring to light the psychological experiences related to emergency care processes and rehabilitation of people affected by OT and TDI caused by police violence. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted based on in-depth interviews with eighteen people affected by OT or TDI during the social outbreak in Chile in 2019–2020. Data analysis was based on the principles of grounded theory. Results: Three main categories emerged: quality of interpersonal relationships with health care providers, expectations of care and treatment and psychological consequences. The findings show that retraumatization and revictimization arise from clinical care in the context of state violence. Conclusions: Revictimization and retraumatization are the most characteristic phenomena occurring in the health care of people affected by OT and TDI caused by police violence. The probability of their occurrence depends mainly on the interpersonal relationships established with the health care team and the management of patient expectations regarding health care.

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