Impacts of crime

Victim

Point - Victims are one group who are significantly impacted by crime.

Explanation - Certain emotions such as anger and fear are common after being the victim of crime. Some victims may feel “normal” for a while and then experience some form of anxiety at a later date. 

Victims can also sometimes suffer physical symptoms such as lack of sleep, depression or, at the most extreme, feeling compelled to take their own lives. 

Example/evidence - For example, in 2017, Justine Reece took her own life after being subjected to six months of stalking and harassment by her ex-partner. Although, she had reported the threats to the police on 34 occasions, they failed to record them properly, which meant officers did not have a proper idea of the extent of the threat. 

Analysis - This evidence clearly demonstrates that crime can leave victims feeling vulnerable or powerless which lead to them taking extreme, irreversible actions.  

Rebuttal point - However, offenders are also impacted by the crime they have committed.  

Explanation - Many offenders’ employability is negatively impacted by their criminal record There are a growing number of professions where criminal records are never lifted, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and lawyers. Anyone applying to study specific courses in health, social care, and education fields will be subject to scrutiny.

Example/evidence - For example, in Scotland, PVG checks are conducted by Disclosure Scotland. Candidates are asked to fill in a PVG check for the field they are applying in. If found to have a criminal conviction, it is likely that their application will be refused.  

Analysis - This evidence clearly highlights the detrimental effect a criminal record can have on the offenders’ future, limiting their life chances and success.  

Victims family

Point - Furthermore, victims’ families can be heavily impacted by crime.    

Explanation - Families of victims can be impacted due to the emotional issues and trauma. They may go through a mix of feelings, such as anxiety, anger, confusion. They may also blame themselves and feel helpless. The loss of a family member due to crime may result in severe forms of grief.  

Example/evidence - For example, Alesha MacPhail’s mum has been significantly impacted by the murder of her six-year-old daughter in 2018. Alesha was sexually assaulted and murdered by 16-year-old Aaron Campbell. Since the crime, there has been a documentary created and her mum has urged the public not to watch it as it is giving him the ‘attention he craves’.  

Analysis - This evidence demonstrates the considerable emotional impact on families as they also have to process the traumatic event and try to continue with their normal lives.  

Rebuttal point - On the other hand, offenders’ families can be affected by crime too.   

Explanation - Offenders are often stigmatised for their offence but so are the families also. The families can often be seen as “Guilty by association” and looked negatively upon by their friends, communities and the media. Also, children can suffer due to the stigma, which may lead to them being bullied in school. 

Example/evidence - For example, Elena Couzens, the wife of Wayne Couzens who murdered Sarah Everard, has been significantly affected by his crime. She was left heartbroken desperate to know why he committed these horrific crimes. She also now has to solely look after their two children and protect them from any negative media and news coverage. 

Analysis - This evidence is important in showing the damaging effect on offenders’ partners and children as they are negatively targeted for actions they have were not involved in or had any control over.  

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Wider community

Point - Additionally, communities can suffer as a result of crimes being committed.  

Explanation - Communities are often labelled as dangerous and recognised for their high crime rate as opposed to positive factors. This negative impact creates fear in these communities and residents become withdrawn and keeping themselves to themselves.    

Example/evidence - For example, the Scottish Government reported that in 2017-18 Glasgow experienced 708 crimes per 1000 people whereas East Renfrewshire only experienced 263 per 1000 people.  

Analysis - This evidence is crucial in showing that people living in poorer areas are much more likely to live near criminals and be their victims. This would inevitably lead to people being isolated and withdrawn within their own communities.

Rebuttal point - However, wider society can also be impacted as a result of criminal activity.  

Explanation - Local and national governments spend billions on the prevention of crime and the detection, prosecution and punishment of criminals. Serious and organised crime has a significant impact on wider society, as law enforcement try to tackle drug trafficking, immigration crime and fraud.  

Evidence/explanation - For example, according to the National Crime Agency, serious and organised crime costs the UK economic around £37 billion per year.  

Analysis - This is important as it illustrates the huge drain on public spending for crime related measures. This decreases the government spending available for other valuable public services which could benefit law abiding citizens within society.  

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