This Code of Practice for Victims of Crime forms a key part of the wider Government strategy to transform the criminal justice system by putting victims first, making the system more responsive and easier to navigate. Victims of crime should be treated in a respectful, sensitive and professional manner without discrimination of any kind. They should receive appropriate support to help them, as far as possible, to cope and recover and be protected from re-victimisation. It is important that victims of crime know what information and support is available to them from reporting a crime onwards and who to request help from if they are not getting it. This Code sets out the services to be provided to victims of criminal conduct by criminal justice organisations in England and Wales. Criminal conduct is behaviour constituting a criminal offence under the National Crime Recording Standard. Service providers may provide support and services in line with this Code on a discretionary basis if the offence does not fall under the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) (see the glossary of key terms found at the end of this Code). Non-NCRS offences include drink driving and careless driving. This Code also sets a minimum standard for these services. Criminal justice organisations can choose to offer additional services and victims can choose to receive services tailored to their individual needs that fall below the minimum stand

This volume critically engages with the development of official policy and reform in relation to the support of victims of crime both within and beyond the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Since the election of the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government in May 2010 it is argued that victimization has increasingly taken on a greater cultural resonance both in England and Wales and in other industrialised countries. Images of terrorism, public debates around the handling of sexual victimisation by the courts, and the issue of child sexual exploitation have catapulted victim issues into the public consciousness like never before – generating a new form of what Hall terms ‘victim capital’. As such, this book utilises a combination of cultural victimological analysis, governance theory and legal scholarship to address fundamental questions concerning the drivers and impact of victim policy in England and Wales in the 21st century. An engaging and original study, this book will be of particular interest to scholars of victimology and the criminal justice system, as well as activists and policy makers.

This is the first accessible, succinct text to provide definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts relating to the expanding field of crime, harm and victimisation. Written by a wide range of experts, it includes theories, ideas and case studies relating to victims of conventional crime and victims outside the remit of criminal law. It encapsulates the domestic and international nature, extent and measurement of victims of crime and harm, together with responses to victims and victimisation as a result of conventional, corporate and state crimes and harms. As part of the Companion series, entries are presented in a user-friendly A-Z format with clear links to related entries and further reading, allowing easy navigation for both students and practitioners. Filling a gap in the market, this is a good source and quick reference point for undergraduates studying a variety of courses in criminology, criminal justice, victimology and other related disciplines.

This revised and expanded third edition offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Starting with an overview of the main theories of the causes of crime, this book explores and discusses the operation of the main criminal justice agencies including the police, probation and prison services and the legal and youth justice systems. This book offers a lively and critical discussion of some of the main themes in criminal justice, from policy-making and crime control to diversity and discrimination to the global dimensions of criminal justice, including organized crime and the role of the EU. Key updates to this new edition include: increased discussion of the measurement, prevention and detection of crime; a revised chapter on the police which discusses the principle of policing by consent, police methods, power and governance as well as the abuse of power; further discussion of pressing contemporary issues in criminal justice, such as privatization, multi-agency working and community-based criminal justice policy; a brand new chapter on victims of crime, key developments in criminal justice policy, and the response of the criminal justice system. This accessible text is essential reading for students taking introductory courses in criminology and criminal justice. A wide range of useful features includes review questions, lists of further reading, timelines of key events and a glossary of key terms.

This practical guide provides user-friendly, concise, expert and up-to-date guidance for both new and experienced hate crime caseworkers and advocates (whether professional or volunteers). Filling a gap in the growing debates and research literature on hate crime, it takes as its starting point a values-based casework practice that provides assistance, support and leads to the empowerment of victims of hate crimes. With core casework standards and guidance on how to respond from a person-centred approach to the victim’s perspective, it also provides an overview of current legislation in relation to prosecuting hate crimes and the current EU Directive on victim support. Full of relevant, up-to-date evidence based research and policy, it will enable practitioners to be confident and knowledgeable in supporting victims of hate crime.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Complete introduction to forensic psychology and understanding psychology’s expanding influence on the study of law, crime, and criminality Highlighting the often-sizable gap between media myths surrounding forensic practice and reality, Forensic Psychology presents a broad range of topics within the field, including detailed treatments of the causes of crime, investigative methods, the trial process, and interventions with different types of offenders and offenses. To aid in reader comprehension, this Fourth Edition is supplemented with additional online resource materials, including related links, multiple choice questions, and PowerPoint slides. Authored by a wide range of experienced forensic psychology professionals and drawing on a wealth of experience from leading researchers and practitioners, Forensic Psychology includes information on: Psychological approaches to understanding crime and developmental and psychological theories of offending Contributions of neuroscience in understanding risk factors for offending and effects of interpersonal crime on victims Eyewitness evidence, psychopathy, interviewing witnesses and suspects, detecting deception, and offender profiling and crime linkage Interpersonal violence and stalking, judicial processes, safeguarding vulnerable witnesses, criminal responsibilities, and the role of the expert witness Rehabilitation of offenders, risk assessment, treating dangerous offenders, and interventions with female offenders and offenders with intellectual disabilities With comprehensive coverage of the subject and its many important intricacies, the Fourth Edition of Forensic Psychology is essential reading for undergraduates’ first encounter with the subject area and is also an excellent introduction for more specialized postgraduate courses.

Providing a comparative analysis of both vulnerable witnesses and vulnerable suspects, this book discusses the increasingly difficult issue faced by many in modern policing, forensic psychology, criminology, and social justice studies. Examining recent legislation, guidance, current psychological theory, and contemporary research and literature, the book enhances the currently limited knowledge of vulnerability in the criminal justice system (CJS) through the presentation of theoretical understanding, case law and real-life case studies. It also explores how vulnerable victims, witnesses, and suspects progress through the system in England and Wales from initially being identified as vulnerable through to the measures used to assist them during interviews and at trial. In doing so, it provides a historical overview of how vulnerability has previously been considered, and how effective those with vulnerabilities were perceived to be in actively participating in the CJS. Further chapters consider how vulnerable individuals are safeguarded, the differences in services available to them, and what this may lead to in terms of effective participation in the system. How vulnerable groups are interviewed, what is considered best practice, and whether such practices are suitable also come under scrutiny. Exploring Vulnerability in the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales is important reading for students and scholars of policing, forensic psychology, criminology, and social justice studies. It will also be of use for any organisations that conduct internal investigations such as non-government organizations, security and defence organisations, and corporate organizations.