Vulnerable/ Intimidated Victims And Witnesses

Question 1

What is the GMP definition of a vulnerable victim?

Answer 1

• age
• circumstances
• mental/ physical disability
• illness
• special feature
• that renders them unable to
• care/ protect themselves (temporarily or permanently)

or

• protect themselves against
• harm/ exploitation

Question 2

What section and act defines Vulnerable?

Answer 2

S16 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

Question 3

What is the definition of Vulnerable under S16 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999?

Answer 3

• under 18
• mental health disorder
• significantly impaired intelligence or social function
• physical disability

Question 4

What section and act defines Intimidated?

Answer 4

S17 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

Question 5

What defines someone as intimidated under S17 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

Answer 5

• likely to experience
  — fear
  — distress

- about testifying due to
— circumstances of offence
— social/ cultural/ ethnic factors
— domestic/ employment situation
— religious/ political situation.

Question 6

What is PRIVVATS?

Answer 6

Private

Removal of wigs/ gowns

Intermediary

Video Evidence in Chief

Video to Cross Examine

AIDS to communicate

TV Link

Screens

Question 7

What are the 3 stages of the Special Measures test?

Answer 7

1) Are they vulnerable/ intimidated?
2) Will Special Measures improve evidence quality?
3) Which measures are most likely to improve the quality of evidence?