Overview

This module will consolidate students’ understanding of vulnerability, risk of victimisation and patterns of serious violence. It will focus on serious youth violence, serious domestic abuse and violence, and homicides. It will outline the links between serious violence and vulnerability and consider the role of organised crime and terrorist organisations in exploiting vulnerabilities.

Indicative Content:

-Serious Violence in its different forms -Vulnerability and Victimisation -Exploitation of Vulnerabilities -Domestic Abuse -Structures of Violence

Assessment Strategy

Distinction BE ABLE TO: Critically analyse key theoretical and conceptual issues in relation to the core concepts of serious violence, vulnerability and victimisation. Make connections between policing, criminal justice, criminology and other disciplines relating to vulnerability, specifically Psychology. Critically discuss the role of structural violence on contemporary concerns regarding serious violence. Present a range of academic, policy and other material in a way that serves to support the arguments being advanced and to bring different/original modes of thought to this module.

Merit BE ABLE TO: Examine and evaluate theoretical, conceptual and methodological issues in relation to the different forms of serious violence and vulnerability. Examine perspectives on the usefulness of the concept of vulnerability and exploitation in criminal justice and its implications for policing and criminal justice practices. Evaluate a range of appropriate literature and material, and incorporate personal insights and observations.

Pass BE ABLE TO: To describe the contemporary debates on the concepts of serious violence, vulnerability and victimisation. Explain some of the main theoretical perspectives on serious violence and vulnerability in the context of domestic abuse, serious youth violence, organised crime and terrorism.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically examine different approaches to preventing and responding to serious violence including public health approaches, prevention, and different forms of policing

• Critically examine wider societal and structural inequalities and violence linked to vulnerabilities and serious violence

• Examine the link between vulnerabilities and serious violence including youth and gang violence, domestic violence, and other serious violence

• Gain a systematic and critical view of police responsibilities when encountering those with vulnerabilities in the context of serious violence