ABSTRACT
Over the past decade innovative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and smartphone applications (apps) have demonstrated their potential for increasing well-being in various fields, such as (mental) health care and education. Although still in its infancy, the application of such technologies for treatment purposes in the forensic context and criminal justice practice is nascent. This chapter reviews the literature and describes the state of the art of VR and apps in the forensic domain to explore the shared and unique possibilities for risk assessment, offender rehabilitation, and reintegration. In total, 18 VR applications and 18 smartphone apps were located in scientific databases and through web search. Aside from a review, we present a prospective vision of the unique treatment potential of VR and apps, as well as their complementary use. We conclude with limitations and ethical considerations.
