In recent years, the problem of wrongful conviction has become an accepted reality. Although very few cases end up in a wrongful conviction, it often causes detrimental effects on the victims who tend to experience it. Research has shown that several factors contribute to a wrongful conviction such as erroneous eyewitness, testimony, or identification. Even after being exonerated, the entire experience can leave a dent in the mental health of victims who are wrongfully convicted. So, in this article, we will discuss how victims who were wrongfully convicted can adjust back to society.
Psychological Consequences of Wrongful Conviction
Unfortunately, many people serve time despite being innocent of the crime. If you or someone you know falls in this bucket, with the Innocence Project and a good wrongful conviction attorney in California you can clear your name. However, research shows that even after being freed from prison, wrongfully convicted prisoners experience psychological challenges integrating back into society, especially those who have spent a long period.
Separation from family and friends while incarcerated tends to cause a feeling of loss, such as loss of time, loss of feelings of security, loss of self, and so on. Also, there is the stigma wrongfully incarcerated individuals face that can be degrading. Society tends to judge anyone who has been in prison, whether they are guilty or not. As such, this can cause depression, substance abuse, or dependence in individuals wrongfully convicted.
Right to Counsel
Anyone who has been wrongfully incarcerated has the right to counsel. The legal system understands that it can be extremely difficult for some individuals to transition back to society after being in jail. The counsel which is often free depending on your state law allows wrongfully convicted individuals access to professionals who can guide them with their transition back to society.
During the council, these individuals can speak about their frustration and receive helpful guides from professionals on how to navigate their emotions. If medications are required, these professionals place these individuals on a prescription based on their situation to advance their well-being. Without access to help, wrongfully convicted individuals will likely end up more messy than they started.
Best Practices to Integrate Back to Society
Being wrongly incarcerated can be more depressing than many people think. But how does one who has been wrongly incarcerated integrate back into society? Support from family and friends is one of the best ways anyone who has suffered such traumatic stress can utilise it for recovery. Spending more time with loved ones during the transition home can help make the transition a lot easier. However, relying only on spending time with family and friends might take a considerable amount of time to heal.
Healing from any traumatic experience and dealing with stress and anxiety is often done alone. As such, individuals who have been wrongfully incarcerated should learn to rediscover themselves. Finding new hobbies, and appreciating the little joys in life can help make alone time less depressing. Also, owning what happened and having the mindset that it is part of your past and having to live in the present can be very empowering as well.
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