Crime Victims’ Belief in a Just World: Moderating Effects of Perceived Fair Treatment in the Criminal Justice Process

Abstract

ABSTRACT Criminal victimization is a potentially traumatizing event that can threaten the belief in a just world (BJW). Unlike other kinds of victims, victims of crime are involved in criminal justice procedures. Therefore, the present study examined whether positive experiences in this process can buffer the threat of victimization on the BJW. We collected cross-sectional data from victims of various crimes from Germany and Lithuania (total N = 241). Results showed that victims of very severe crimes had a lower BJW than victims of less severe crimes, however, fair treatment (provision of information) moderated this relationship.