| CODE | CRI0103 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Victims, Witnesses and Vulnerable Persons | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit delves into various aspects related to the treatment and support of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system: Firstly, it covers key legislation, codes of practice, guidance, and policies pertinent to interactions with victims and witnesses, including the Victims Act, Criminal Code, the code of ethics, and policies regarding criminal disclosures. It then explores the psychological influences that may manifest when dealing with victims and witnesses, such as trauma, denial, anxiety, and panic. Additionally, it examines the impact of re-victimization on individuals and the role of constables in investigations, including empathy fatigue and judgment bias. The study-unit also delves into the relationships between victims, witnesses, and offenders, highlighting signs and signals of potential developments in these relationships over time. It emphasizes the importance of providing support to victims and witnesses through compassionate and empathetic actions and keeping them updated on proceedings. Identifying victims and witnesses accurately and applying early considerations around significant or vulnerable individuals is discussed in detail, along with the importance of seeking advice when necessary. Furthermore, the study-unit examines the concept of 'vulnerability' and its application throughout the criminal justice process, considering factors such as adverse childhood experiences, disability, and mental health issues. It also addresses the duty of police to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals through immediate safeguarding actions and multi-agency referrals. Ethical considerations when dealing with vulnerable individuals are highlighted, including the importance of professional conduct, recognizing cultural differences, and effectively communicating with individuals who may be vulnerable. The study-unit also explores how personal vulnerabilities and environmental factors may influence an individual's reaction, particularly focusing on individuals with conditions such as autism. Overall, this study-unit equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support and interact with victims and witnesses, ensuring their well-being and facilitating their participation in the criminal justice process. Through a comprehensive exploration of legal frameworks, psychological considerations, and ethical practices, students gain a holistic understanding of victim and witness care within the context of law enforcement. Study-Unit Aims: - Key legislation, codes of practice, guidance and policies when dealing with victims and witnesses including the Victims Act, Criminal Code and the code of ethics; - The psychological impact of crime, including trauma, impact of re-victimisation on victims and witnesses and impact of investigations on the constable; - Accurately identify victims and witnesses, relationships between victims, witnesses and offenders, take an initial professional account from victims and witnesses and apply considerations for risk, safety and protection and provide relevant support; - Issues of vulnerability throughout the criminal justice process, including the structures and legislation in place and the factors that can contribute to, or cause vulnerability or affect a person鈥檚 reaction; - The duty of the police to take responsibility and effective action to ensure a person鈥檚 safety and to deal professionally, ethically and emphatically with people who are vulnerable or have suffered harm. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain and be able to apply the law, policy and guidance in the treatment of victims and witnesses; - Explain the needs of victims and witnesses; - Recognize vulnerability in the context of operational policing; - Explain considerations when responding to, identifying and supporting a person who may be vulnerable; - Interpret how a vulnerable person may respond to the police; - Define measures that can lead to re-victimization. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply the law, policy and guidance in the treatment of victims and witnesses; - Recognize and respond to the needs of victims and witnesses; - Carry out an initial assessment of the situation; - Appreciate vulnerability in the context of operational policing; - Identify, respond and support a person who may be vulnerable; - Recognize and respond to the trauma of victimization and re-victimization. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Burgess, A. W. (2019). Victimology: Theories and applications (3rd ed..). Jones & Bartlett Learning. - Chapter 9, The Criminal Code (Malta). - Chapter 539, Victims of Crime Act (Malta). Supplementary Readings: - Burgess, A. W. (2019). Victimology: Theories and applications (3rd ed..). Jones & Bartlett Learning. - Gopalan, R. T. (Ed.). (2022). Victimology: A Comprehensive Approach to Forensic, Psychosocial and Legal Perspectives. Springer Nature. - Kilgallon, M., & Wright, M. (2022). Behavioural Skills for Effective Policing: The Service Speaks (1st ed.). St Albans: Critical Publishing. - Mandelstam, M. (2013). Criminal justice support for vulnerable victims and witnesses. In Safeguarding Adults and the Law. United Kingdom: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: 4 Ordinary level qualifications (including Maltese and English) OR Extended Diploma in Foundation Studies for Security, Enforcement and Protection Law. | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Chantal Avellino Christian Cauchi Sylvana Gafa Marceline Naudi Casey Scicluna Mary Grace Vella (Co-ord.) |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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