Enjeux symboliques et thérapeutiques de la rencontre du psychique et du judiciaire en médecine légale

The medico-legal examination is a key stage in the journey of victims of criminal offences. This consultation encompasses an undeniable psychological value and paves the way to a possible acknowledgement of the victim. A criminal offence can be the cause of a psychic trauma and can engage the victim in the painful process of psychological recovery. Psychological process and legal process are ruled by different realities, functions and temporalities. However, it is possible to observe and identify some links and common characteristics in their respective courses. Based on studies of the links and the symbolic differences between psychological procedures and legal procedures, authors have demonstrated how legal work can aid psychological work or conversely can be the cause of secondary victimisation. The recent reform of forensic medicine enables one to take into account both psychological needs and medico-legal needs by offering psychological care within the Medico-Legal Unit (UMJ). Moving forward, beyond their specialised activity, the UMJ will also include the treatment of victims within a network and therefore involve the prevention and the treatment of posttraumatic disorders. The importance of human issues involved in the UMJ confers all its legitimacy to this multi-disciplinary and unique system.