Romance fraud : its repercussions on victims’ wellbeing

Abstract

This research explored the holistic consequences of romance fraud on the well-being of middle-aged female adults. The research question deemed the utilisation of Thematic analysis. Twelve participants partook in this research (six romance fraud female victims aged between the ages of 40 and 60 and six professionals working within the field having the following professions; police officer, lawyer, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor and social worker). Romance fraud victims were recruited through purposive sampling whilst the professionals were recruited through snowball sampling. The data was collected through the use of audio-recorded single question aimed at Inducing Narratives (SQUIN) when interviewing romance fraud victims whilst semi-structured interviews were utilised with the professionals. The analysis was conducted through NVivo. This study elicited eight organising themes namely: 1) Impact on the self and personal attributions; 2) Psychological Wellbeing; 3) Social Wellbeing; 4) Physical Wellbeing; 5) Trauma and the Criminal Justice System; 6) Perception of the Criminal Justice System; 7) Protective Factors; 8) Coping mechanisms and 9) Recovery and moving forward. The findings that emerged from this study highlighted the diverse circumstances and risk factors presented by romance fraud victims. Additionally, their contribution towards the holistic repercussions of such crime on victims’ satisfaction and quality of life was addressed. Juxtaposing the interviews held with romance fraud victims and professionals whilst comparing them with existing literature allowed for an in-depth multi-disciplinary approach which facilitated a comprehensive understanding of such a complex phenomenon. Finally, this study outlined various recommendations proposed by the participants themselves related to further research, policy and practice that could contribute to existing theoretical and policy lacunae whilst improving service provision.