Victims & Witnesses

Question 1

Define a victim

Answer 1

A person who has suffered harm including, physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by criminal conduct

Question 2

Define a witness

Answer 2

One who sees, knows or vouches for somethings. One who gives testimony under oath or affirmation, in person, by oral or written deposition or by affidavit

Question 3

What is WCU?

Answer 3

Witness care units

Question 4

2 reasons why victims and witnesses are important in the CJS

Answer 4

Allows criminal justice system to succeed

Narrows the justice gap

Question 5

2 things WCU do?

Answer 5

Provide a single point of contact for victims and witnesses

Provide a dedicated witness care officer

Question 6

2 impacts of crime and ASB

Answer 6

1. Suffer short term and long term effects

2. They may have friends, family & children who may also be affected by the crime

Question 7

3 short term impacts of crime

Answer 7

1. Fear of repeat attack
2. Vulnerability to repeat attack
3. Initial emotional impact such as fear, shock and anger

Question 8

Longer term impact of crime

Answer 8

Feelings of powerlessness
Post traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety
Depression

Question 9

Name 5 needs of victims and witnesses

Answer 9

1. Reassurance
2. Emotional vent
3. Updates
4. A single point of contact
5. Emotional vent

Question 10

Categories of victims & witnesses

Answer 10

Vulnerable
Repeat victimisation
Intimidated

Question 11

3 Specific crimes & incidents

Answer 11

Hate crime
Domestic abuse
ASB

Question 12

Main aims of victims code of practise

Answer 12

1. To inform and protect victims of crime and their families
2. To ensure they received appropriate support
3. To put victims at the heart of the CJS

Question 13

Benefits of victims code

Answer 13

1. Helps in achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings
2. Ensures victims & witnesses feel confident to go to court
3. Complies with legislation

Question 14

3 reasons it is important to make records

Answer 14

1. Potential complaints
2. Continuity of evidence
3. VPS (victim personal statements)

Question 15

3 consequences of inaccurate records

Answer 15

1. Potential evidence being ruled as inadmissible in court
2. Inappropriate treatment of victims and witnesses due to confusion of their needs
3. Wasted police time spend deciphering illegible handwriting

Question 16

3 facts about VPS

Answer 16

1. A voluntary process
2. Can be made at the time of the crime or any point afterwards
3. Enables victims to say how the crime has affected them

Question 17

3 things VPS do

Answer 17

1. Places victims at the centre of policing
2. Builds confidence in the CJS overall
3. Makes them feel more involved in the handling of their case

Question 18

3 first responder actions…

Answer 18

1. Consider interpreter
2. Indentation any support needs
3. Identify whether vulnerable or intimidated

Question 19

Recognising and addressing needs..

Answer 19

1. Helps identify signal crimes
2. Helps narrows reassurance gap
3. Allen’s them access to crime prevention, safety and security advice

Question 20

What is the 5WH tool?

Answer 20

Who
What
Where
When
Why

Question 21

What is NAVSS?

Answer 21

National association victim support schemes

Question 22

Name 3 special measures that can be put into place

Answer 22

1. Giving evidence by means of a live TV link
2. Using video recording for giving evidence
3. Removal of wigs and gowns

Question 23

Victim Care 5 points!

Answer 23

1. Victims can feel vulnerable and may go through life changing incidents
2. It is important that we offer the correct care and sign positing to third party agencies where necessary
3. Makes referrals or seek advice from victims support; witness care units; PPU; ect
4. Seek consent from the victims where needed
5. Take age of victim into account; children or elderly victims may be extremely nervous about the process

Question 24

What is poly victimisation

Answer 24

This refers to having experienced multiple victimisation such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying and explore to family violence. The definition emphasises experiencing different kinds of victimisation rather than multiple episodes of the same kind of victimisation

Question 25

3 ways to communicate with vulnerable victims & witnesses

Answer 25

1. Have pen and paper ready for either you to use
2. Use language that is appropriate to the person
3. Be patient & avoid interrupting

Question 26

Define youth justice & criminal evidence act 1999 section 17 ( intimidates witnesses)

Answer 26

Witnesses in criminal proceedings ( other than the accused) whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished by reason of fear or distress in connection with testifying in proceedings

Question 27

3 ways intimidation may occur

Answer 27

1. Residing in a housing estate that has history of ASB and conflict with police
2. Member of cultural, ethnic or religious group
3. Residing in a small close- knit community

Question 28

3 benefits of parental support for children

Answer 28

1. Act as an appropriate adult (AA)
2. Able to monitor child’s behaviour patterns
3. Provide advice and guidance

Question 29

3 behavioural indicators of vulnerability

Answer 29

1. Confused by what is said or happening
2. Appears eager to please or repeat what you say
3. Unable to read or write

Question 30

Define Youth justice & criminal evidence act 1999 section 16 (vulnerable witnesses)

Answer 30

Children under 18 years of age
People whose quality of evident is likely to be finished because they:
Suffer from mental disorder or have a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning or have a physical disability or are suffering from a physical disorder