Defendants as victims:A scoping review of vulnerability, victimhood and safeguards from charge to conviction

This report provides a scoping review of legal, socio-legal and criminological research on vulnerability, victimhood, and the rights of suspects and defendants who are also victims of crime from arrest through to charge, conviction and sentencing. It aims to (i) map and synthesise the existing literature, (ii) clarify definitions and conceptual boundaries, (iii) enhance our understanding of relevant policies and practices, and (iv) make recommendations for action and further inquiry. This report has also taken into account the views expressed by stakeholders in consultation meetings. The consultation involved a mixture of legal practitioners, academics and third sector organisations. The report addresses two main research questions: 1) How do histories of victimisation and other vulnerabilities affect suspects and defendants in their ability to mount an adequate defence? 2) Are current procedural protections and support mechanisms effective in addressing these challenges or likely to exacerbate them further?