Vulnerability Flashcards
Vulnerability
A victim or witness is entitled to relieve specific rights and support throughout the criminal justice process from all the criminal justice organisations. This should be considered at an early stage in this investigation.
A vulnerable witness
All child witnesses (under 18)
Any witness whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished because there:
- Are suffering from a mental disorder
- Have a significant impairment or intelligence and social functioning
- Have a physical disability or are suffering from a physical disorder.
Intimidated witness
Any offence in criminal proceedings
….if the court is satisfied that the quality of evidence given by the witness is likely to be diminished by reason of fear or distress on the part of the witness in connection with testifying in the proceedings.
Victims of:
Sexual offences
Modern slavery
Domestic abuse
Are entitled to special measures unless the specifically decline them.
Cuckooing premises
Vulnerable people may find themselves the victim of cuckooing.
Gang members will:
Take over the homes of vulnerable adults
Use premises to deal, store or take drugs
Use properties to host parties
Children who are trafficked conduct the cutting and bagging in such premises.
Child criminal exploitation
Vulnerable children may find themselves the victim of CCE.
Child exploitation takes a variety of different forms. It can include children being forced to work in cannabis factory’s, being coerced into moving drugs or money across the country, forced to shoplift or pickpocket or to threaten other young people.
Supporting vulnerable people
People and organisations work together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect while at the same time making sure that the adults well being is promoted including where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on my action
VOICE
Value and listen
Observe and record
Investigate
Check/obtain
Evidence
Police protection
Where a Constable has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm he may –
Remove the child to suitable accommodation 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/she is accommodated is prevented.
Police protection - duties
Inform the local authority for the area in which the child was found
Explain what action has been taken and what is proposed
Inform the local authority where the child is normally resident
Inform the child
Ascertain the wishes of the child, if possible to do so.
Ensure that the case is looked into by the ‘designated officer’
