A literature review of the role of forensic linguistics in gender-based violent crimes in Italy: supporting legal professionals and providing scientific evidence

Abstract

The focus of this article is forensic linguistics as applied to gender-based violence (GBV), a current social problem which persists despite the many measures adopted to eradicate it. Gender-based violence leads to different kinds of crimes, which have been studied from several perspectives such as psychology, criminology and law. In this preliminary study of forensic linguistics applied to GBV crimes in Italy in particular, we aim to provide a review of the research literature on GBV and forensic linguistics. We begin by considering the discipline of forensic linguistics and introducing two psychological models – Walker (1979) and Pence (1993) – which are helpful in contextualising GBV. We then proceed in two directions: first, we examine communication between victims and legal sector professionals; and second, we consider linguistic evidence for police and judicial investigation through discourse analysis of communication between perpetrators and victims. Finally, conclusions are drawn with an eye to future scenarios.

Keywords

• gender-based violence
• forensic linguistics
• linguistic evidence
• cycle of violence
• coercive control
• manipulation
• threats