Personal Vulnerability & Risk Factors Flashcards
Define Vulnerable Witnesses
All child witnesses (under 18) and any witness whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished because they:
-Are suffering from a mental disorder
-Or have a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
-Or have a physical disability or are suffering from a physical disorder
Define Intimidated witness
Evidence quality is dimished by reason of fear or distress on part of the witness in connection with testifying in the proceeding.
E.g. victims of sexual offence, modern slavery and DA
Special measure for vulnerable/intimidated witnesses
-Screening the witness from the accused (don’t have to see them
-Giving evidence by way of TV link
-Giving evidence in private (for sexual, modern slavery and intimidated witnesses. Sometimes DA)
-Removal of wigs/gowns
-Use video recorded interviews (for what happened to witness/victim)
-Video recorded cross-examination
Vulnerable victims also get - Communication through intermediaries and special communication aids.
Victim’s may be protected from cross-examination
Victim’s may gain independent social support during interviews.
Social support Three Roles
-Support during interview by someone independent (friend/family)
-Support after interview as case waits for trial (helps alleviates fears in the build up to court)
-Support in court from a person potentially known by the witness.
What makes someone vulnerable?
Personal
-Age
-Ethnicity
-Disability
-Difference
-Religion
-Mental Health
-Gender
-Sexual Orientatoin
Situational
-Poverty, Language, coercive control etc.
Consequences of not managing vulnerability
-Going missing
-Radicalisation
-Exploitation
-Mental health issues
-Physical harm
-Psychological harm
-Police failing, leading to investigation reducing public confidence
People may be reluctant to disclose vulnerability because…
-fear/bullying/coercion
-Dis-empowerment
-Dependence
-Lack of recognition of abuse
-Cultural/societal influences
Reluctance (unwillingness) to receive support
-Dependence on abuser
-Cultural difference
-Mental health/learning disabilities
-Fear of stigma/judgement
-Withdrawal
-Denial of problems
Who do perpetrators target in terms of vulnerability?
Some traits involve:
Low self-esteem
-Need for belonging
-Trauma
-Desire for protection/safety
-Finaical instability
Can lead to
Elder abuse
Domestic abuse
disability
Disabled children/looked after children
Effect for vulnerable being involved in gangs
Trauma/stress
feeling of entrapment
loss of identity/self-worth
normalization of criminal behaviour
Adult Safeguarding Strategies
Empowerment - people being supported/encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent
Prevention - Act before harm occurs
Proportionality - The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
Protection - Support and representation for those in greatest need
Partnership - Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
Accountability - Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding
VOICE
Value and listen to views/feelings and needs
Observe and record environment, behaviour and experiences
Investigate impact of incident and our action has had
Check and obtain information from professional/family members/carers
Evidence everything and ensure it is recorded/retrievable and reffered
Adult safeguarding partnership boards
Established by law and are responsible for ensuring all adults at risk of harm, neglect and exploitation receive help and protection they need.
Child Safeguarding Strategies - Multi-Agency Partnership: What are the three agencies?
Health, Local authority and police
S.46 Children Act 1989
Police protection - constable has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm he may -
Remove the child to suitable accomodation and keep him.her there or
Take such steps as reasonable to ensure the child’s removal from any hospital or other place, in which he is then being accommodated is prevented
