Psychological intervention with victims of prison violence: a systematic literature review

Abstract Background: Prison victimization has been a focus of attention by the scientific community with studies that indicate a high prevalence and negative effects on mental health and social reintegration of prisoners. However, there is few information on intervention responses, so it is relevant to obtain reliable data about intervention strategies that seeks to mitigate its consequences and provide support to victims. Objective: accomplish a detailed description of the literature on psychological intervention that seeks to respond to victimization in prison and its consequences. Method: Systematic review (SR) using the PRISMA-P method. The research was carried out in 10 electronic databases and the data collection and analysis process carried out by two independent researchers. Results: Five publications were included, three quantitative studies and two theoretical articles although none specifically focuses on intervention with individuals subject to prison victimization. This feature is addressed and theoretically analyzed throughout the discussion. Conclusion: There are few publications on intervention with victims of prison victimization and existing ones do not focus on specific intervention in the context of this type of victimization. However, important guidelines were obtained to be included into future intervention proposals. There is a consensus regarding the need to adopt empirically validated intervention models, referring to the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), specifically to the Trauma-Informed Treatment (TIT).