Summary

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the principles for handling victims of sexual violence in legal proceedings in a manner that takes into account their traumatic experience. The article has been written collaboratively by psychologists and a prosecutor to offer perspectives from different professional standpoints. The discussion is centred on the viewpoint of the victim, examining the state in which a person may find themselves as a result of the experience and the resources required to restore their subjective well-being within a reasonable timeframe. Within the context of procedural actions, the article outlines how to support the victim throughout the judicial process, enabling them to provide as much information as possible about the incident while minimising further harm to their mental health beyond the damage already caused by the event. Specifically, the article explores the impact of traumatic experiences on a person’s functioning to facilitate a better ‘understanding’ of the victim, with a particular focus on cases of sexual abuse. Drawing on practical courtroom experiences, it reflects on which approaches are beneficial and which are less effective when the procedural process centres on a trauma-affected individual. Finally, the article jointly formulates recommendations for preparing trauma-affected individuals to participate in proceedings, supporting them during procedural actions (including participation in court), and assisting their reintegration into everyday life once a judicial decision has been made.