Samenvatting

This contribution examines the practice of contact with victims within forensic psychiatric treatment from the perspective of the forensic social worker who supervises the network of an inpatient. Both the direct contact between inpatient and victim and the indirect contact between network supervisor and victim are included. This professional contribution examines the specific role of a forensic network supervisor and describes what is possible in contact with victims and how this is achieved on the basis of three themes, namely 1) the work and vision that network supervisors have on their role, 2) the chain partners and the cooperation therewith, and 3) the various procedures that exist and how they are handled. For each theme, the substantive relevance in relation to contact with victims is discussed, as well as the opportunities and possible difficulties. This study shows that network supervisors experience a tension between the interests of inpatients and victims, whereby the importance of good chain cooperation is clearly endorsed. Furthermore, not all network supervisors act the same in equal cases, which can create inequality for victims. A more uniform job description and task interpretation could overcome this. Finally, this study shows that network supervisors consider it to be important that victims have a voice and are involved in important moments during forensic treatment.