AC1.3 explain the consequences of unreported crime
Ripple effect
- Definition in relation to crime
In the case of crime, this means that an unreported crime(the ‘pebble’) may affect not just the
immediate or primary victim, but will spread across a whole community or society (the ‘ripple’) to
affect secondary victims.
- How is this a consequence?
Although a crime may be committed by against individual, the message may spread a ‘wave of
harm’ throughout a whole community.
- Give a clear example using a crime of how this could occur
Hate crime: Ethnic minorities may be victims of hate crimes. Although a crime may be committed by
against individual, the message may spread a ‘wave of harm’ throughout a whole community.
Cultural consequences
- Explain how crime can differ from culture to culture
People from different cultures sometimes view the same crime differently. This may mean that some
practises that are seen as unacceptable and are against the law in the UK are acceptable to some
people from other cultures.
Use case of Victoria Climbe as her aunty believes she was possessed by the devil because she was
always smiling.
- So if someone from one culture commits a crime in another country, it could go unreported
- Give an example of a crime that hasn’t been reported because of culture (an honour crime
example)
Female Genital Mutilation. FGM is a crime in the uk but is a common practice in several parts of the
world and exists among some minority cultures in the UK.
- What are the consequences of this?
It may go unreported by members of the communities that practise it and be allowed to occur out of
sight of the law.
According to Harron Siddique: ‘more than 20,000 girls a year are thought to be at risk of FGM in the
UK. Medical groups, trade unions and human rights organisations estimate there are 66,000 victims
of the crime in England and Wales.’
Decriminalisation
- Define what this is
Some actions are widespread in society despite being against the law.
- Give an example of a crime that has been decriminalised because it was unreported
Large numbers of people use or have used cannabis. However, because many members of the public
see it as a relatively harmless victimless crime, it goes unreported. When a particular crime becomes
widespread and stop reporting it because they no longer see it as a ‘real’ crime.
Legal Change
Ripple effect
- Definition in relation to crime
In the case of crime, this means that an unreported crime(the ‘pebble’) may affect not just the
immediate or primary victim, but will spread across a whole community or society (the ‘ripple’) to
affect secondary victims.
- How is this a consequence?
Although a crime may be committed by against individual, the message may spread a ‘wave of
harm’ throughout a whole community.
- Give a clear example using a crime of how this could occur
Hate crime: Ethnic minorities may be victims of hate crimes. Although a crime may be committed by
against individual, the message may spread a ‘wave of harm’ throughout a whole community.
Cultural consequences
- Explain how crime can differ from culture to culture
People from different cultures sometimes view the same crime differently. This may mean that some
practises that are seen as unacceptable and are against the law in the UK are acceptable to some
people from other cultures.
Use case of Victoria Climbe as her aunty believes she was possessed by the devil because she was
always smiling.
- So if someone from one culture commits a crime in another country, it could go unreported
- Give an example of a crime that hasn’t been reported because of culture (an honour crime
example)
Female Genital Mutilation. FGM is a crime in the uk but is a common practice in several parts of the
world and exists among some minority cultures in the UK.
- What are the consequences of this?
It may go unreported by members of the communities that practise it and be allowed to occur out of
sight of the law.
According to Harron Siddique: ‘more than 20,000 girls a year are thought to be at risk of FGM in the
UK. Medical groups, trade unions and human rights organisations estimate there are 66,000 victims
of the crime in England and Wales.’
Decriminalisation
- Define what this is
Some actions are widespread in society despite being against the law.
- Give an example of a crime that has been decriminalised because it was unreported
Large numbers of people use or have used cannabis. However, because many members of the public
see it as a relatively harmless victimless crime, it goes unreported. When a particular crime becomes
widespread and stop reporting it because they no longer see it as a ‘real’ crime.
Legal Change
