Faculty Directory

Victor Petreca

Assistant Professor

Profile

Dr. Victor Petreca is an Assistant Professor at the Boston College William Connell School of Nursing. He is a board-certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in psychiatry (including forensics and personality disorders), correctional healthcare, psychopharmacology, and risk assessment. 


His research focuses on forensic psychiatry and mental health, examining issues related to victimology, sexual trauma, sexual offending, and violent behavior (e.g., mutilation and strangulation). His research is also funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to explore jail diversion programs, working closely with law enforcement and forensic clinicians to assess and optimize behavioral crisis responses. In his clinical work, he has performed psychiatric evaluations and managed the mental health care of individuals in several correctional facilities. He also performs psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological management for individuals who are under supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as they reintegrate into society.

Selected Appointments and awards

  • 2017: American Psychiatric Nurses Association
  • 2017: Golden Key Honour Society
  • 2012-2013: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Selected Publications

Petreca, V. G., Brucato, G., Burgess, A. W., Flores, J., & Leary, T. (2022). Female Murderers Who Mutilate or Dismember Their Victims: An Exploration of Patterns and Sex Differences. Journal of Forensic Sciences. http://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15136