"You're not alone": the use of peer support groups for fraud victims. Issue 5 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cross, Cassandra
• Is Part Of: Journal of human behavior in the social environment. Volume 29:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 672
• Page End: 691
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Fraud -- peer support -- victim support -- support group -- romance fraud; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2019.1590279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1091-1359

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The impact of fraud on an individual victim can have devastating consequences. Not only do victims experience a financial loss, but in many cases the impacts extend to their physical health and emotional wellbeing as well potentially enduring relationship breakdown, unemployment, homelessness and in extreme cases, suicide or suicide ideation. Despite the prevalence of fraud victimisation globally, and its severe consequences, there are limited support services available to victims to assist with their recovery. This article explores a case study of an Australian jurisdiction and the establishment of a face-to-face peer support group targeted exclusively at fraud victims. Based on interviews with fraud victims prior to the commencement of the support group and then one year after the establishment of the support group, this article highlights both the benefits and challenges of this peer support model. Though exploratory in nature, the article concludes with the need to provide greater levels of support to fraud victims and considers the role of face-to-face peer support groups as a means to achieve this.