Vulnerable Victims and Victimisation within Practice and Policy in the UK

This book offers a holistic and broad discussion of vulnerable victims, what constitutes victimisation, and how different groups within society are supported through, impacted by, and protected by different agencies and actors within the criminal justice system, society, voluntary organisations, and research. The victims covered in this book include children, domestic abuse survivors, to those becoming victimised through the state, or those not recognised as having “victimhood” status. This book includes chapters and discussions from both practitioners and academics. The authors reflect on practice and policy implications, empirical research, and policy guidance. It includes suggestions for both practice and research for working with vulnerable victims, marginalised groups, and difficult-to-access communities.

Kirsty Bennett is a senior lecturer within policing and criminology at Leeds Trinity University, UK. She also runs a voluntary cold case unit, which independently provides reviews of unsolved cases and long-term missing persons.

Laura Riley is Lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University, UK, and a PhD researcher. Her research concerns desistance from sexual offending and the role of community networks in supporting this.  Laura’s work examines how positive criminology can prevent recidivism and promote the effective safeguarding of vulnerable people. Her teaching focuses on vulnerabilities, diversity, abuse, multiagency working, policing, ethics, and mental health.