The Mental Health of Care Personnel and the Ethical Treatment of Crime Victims

Abstract

When a person is a victim of a crime, harm arises not only from the criminal act itself but also from subsequent processes, including judicial proceedings in which they are involved. Providing ethical treatment when aiding is essential to prevent further harm and to allow them access to justice. However, complying with victim care protocols entails various difficulties for the staff of the institutions that provide it, as their own mental health may be compromised by the characteristics of their work. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the legal and regulatory framework for crime victim care in Mexico, with emphasis on applicable protocols and the case of the state of Colima, as well as the scientific literature on the subject to understand how professional ethics and the mental health conditions of staff influence the quality of care, the prevention of re-victimization, and effective access to justice. The findings show that, although advanced legal instruments exist, their effective implementation depends on the ethical commitment of staff and organizational conditions that favor compliance. Common mental health issues such as vicarious traumatization, secondary post-traumatic stress, and burnout were identified, which affect professional performance and the treatment of victims. It is concluded that ensuring ethical care requires not only solid legal frameworks, but also work environments that prioritize staff well-being, psychosocial support programs, and protocols that operationalize ethical principles in daily practice.