One of the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929 hit us last fall. Many companies are facing bankruptcy or are in the process of liquidating their assets. Each day brings more bad news and the whole world is sinking into an increasingly deeper recession. The most proficient financial experts are incapable of predicting when economic recovery will take place. There is absolute uncertainty as to what the future holds.
This worldwide economic crisis entails grave and at times tragic consequences for many people and their families: job losses, major drops in income, problems in meeting their financial commitments, the risk of losing their home, difficulties in finding a comparable job, loss of social status, etc. These circumstances foster increased stress, exacerbate flare-ups between spouses, lead to aggressive behaviour and the emergence of severe depression and other psychological or social problems. People react differently to crisis situations. Many of our fellow citizens react as if they had nothing more to lose, as if they were caught in a spiral and had lost control over their lives, in addition to losing their self-esteem, their self-confidence and their confidence in others.
This leads us to wonder if the economic crisis could have an impact on crime. In recent months, news accounts of crimes of passion, crimes resulting from a fit of insanity, as well as dramatic and tragic killings appear to be more plentiful. The term recession rage has emerged in some media. Many experts are of the view that, this time, they may not be exaggerating when linking the economic crisis to an increase in crime.
In a recent interview with a reporter, Professor Irvin Waller stated: “There exists a strong correlation between crime and what is happening in the world of business. Yes, if the past is any indication, there is indeed reason to fear an increase in domestic violence over the months to come.” Some incidents are totally isolated and have no relationship to the crisis; however, according to Waller, we can expect an increase in violent crime, domestic crimes of passion, and of thefts of all kinds.
Will this anticipated rise in crime serve to advance the cause of those who have been advocating a get-tough approach to criminal justice over the past few years? Perhaps, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to support that notion. Why? For the same reason that could lead to an increase in crime: the economic and financial crisis. Indeed, this crisis has created a situation whereby governments having adopted a get-tough approach cannot afford the resulting expenses in the area of criminal justice. The recession has also forced them to reallocate resources to other priorities. Does this mean that rehabilitation may once again be in vogue? Maybe not totally, but there may be greater openness to changing outdated, repressive, and costly approaches to crime in order to foster new approaches based on prevention, treatment, reintegration, and partnerships with the dynamic forces within the community.
This recession will have a significant impact on crime and the Criminal Justice System. Responding to that same journalist, Diane Koszycki, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of Ottawa, stated: “When the economy takes a downturn, stress rises and this constitutes a risk factor in relation to psychiatric problems.” This leads her to anticipate a rise in the number of depression cases over the coming months. And, according to Waller, this trend could be even more dramatic because of the suddenness of this recession and of its extreme impact. For Koszycki, this has created conditions whereby the support of loved ones plays a determining role. Hence, greater community spirit is required, a greater sensitivity to the plight and distress of others, as well as commitment to act. As Waller reminds us: “We need to pay close attention to the slightest change in behaviour and, most importantly, we must not hesitate to talk about it. This is a social responsibility that is incumbent upon us all, and even more so at this time.” What a vibrant call to community spirit! But, will we hear it and act accordingly?
BALLIVY, Violaine. « Récession et violence vont de pair », La Presse, April 6, 2009.
