Exploring complex victim vulnerability and rape investigations in England and Wales

Rumney, Phil; McPhee, Duncan

Abstract

The existing research literature suggests that rape cases involving a victim who has an inherent or situational vulnerability such as mental illness or involvement in prostitution tend to have higher levels of attrition and victim withdrawal compared to cases without those characteristics. This paper seeks to build on that literature by focusing on a neglected area: cases that involve victims with multiple vulnerabilities. The data for this paper is derived from 441 police case files involving rape investigations that include victims with complex and multiple vulnerabilities. The paper examines the impact of multiple victim vulnerability on victim engagement with the criminal justice process, case progression, victim care, including the impact of support referrals on progression and engagement. In addition, the paper will consider the role of ‘offender centric’ police investigations in helping to identify and secure evidence concerning suspects who offend against highly vulnerable victims, including a focus on the behaviour, admissions, attitudes and history of criminal suspects.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Socio Legal Studies Association Annual Conference
• Start Date: Mar 27, 2018
• End Date: Mar 29, 2018
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/872499
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Socio Legal Studies Association Annual Conference 2018