This module will begin by challenging you to contrast your perception and reality of crime. Using secondary data, for example from the British Crime Survey (BCS), they will gauge the prevalence of specific crimes (e.g. white collar crime) and consider the extent to which the media may influence perceptions of crime, victims of crime and criminal justice (including criminal justice practitioners and offenders).

You will explore the contested nature of the 'victim', and map victim and witness 'journeys' through criminal justice sector. These will be assessed with reference to the policy and legislation designed to support, protect and compensate victims and witnesses of crime.

Specific areas covered include:
Impact and fear of crime on victims
Impact of crime on the criminal
Victimology
The use and application of legislation
Media influence in regard to criminal behaviour and subsequent causes

Whole Group sessions: a weekly lecture, (1.5hours * 12 weeks) introducing and defining basic ideas and concepts in regard to the module content. Lectures supported by appropriate visual aids and associated handout reading and study plans. This will include small groups and 1-1 tutorials these sessions are also built upon independent learning: it is here where you will be offered support in regard to your development tailored to the formative assessment within the varying modules. (18 hours)

Directed Study/Independent Learning: You will work with the prescribed course text throughout the semester. Some of this preparation will be supported by the use of internet sources. You will be provided with feedback from tutorials to assist their work. (132 Hours)

Guest speakers will be involved in the delivery of some areas specifically relating to the victim support element. They will be able to give current contextual support in regard to the support services offered and the methods they use to do this.

Hypothetical situations will also be given where you will be required to participate in situations regarding the impact of crime. Doing this will allow you to consider the importance of the varied bodies involved and to appreciate the role they perform. This will be followed by formative feedback allowing you to progress and apply this knowledge within your assessments.

Total Learning Hours - 150

Module Study Guide.
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.

Websites:
Victim Support: http://www.victimsupport.org.uk
The Survivors Trust: http://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/
Women's Aid: http://www.womensaid.org.uk
Crown Prosecution Service: http://www.cps.gov.uk/victims_witnesses/

Online support
HMSO (2005) Rebuilding Lives ' supporting victims of crime, HMSO: London: http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/downloads/application/pdf/Rebuilding%20Lives%20-%20supporting%20victims%20of%20crime.pdf

ASSESSMENT A
A presentation (minimum ten minutes) at the end of outcome 2 delivery weighted at 75% assessing Learning Outcome 1&2. The presentation will require a demonstration of knowledge and understanding in regard to the impact of crime and the legislative support structures in place

ASSESSMENT B
A one hour examination at the end of learning outcome 3 weighted at 25% which will assess Learning Outcome 3. The examination will consist of an unseen hypothetical statement in which you will be asked to apply fact and perception in order to justify your answer.

Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials

Bottoms, A. and Roberts, J. (2010) Hearing the Victim Adversarial justice, crime victims and the state, Willan Publishing: Devon.
Jewkes, Y. (2010) Media & Crime (Key approaches to criminology) Sage Publications Ltd.: London
Walklate, S (2007) Handbook of Victims and Victimology, Routlage