CRIME RISK PERSPECTIVES

ASSIGNMENT 1
SEMESTER 2
STUDENT NUMBER: 58474323

MODULE CODE : CMY2601

DUE DATE : 04-09-2023

UNIQUE NUMBER : 721517

INITIALS : M GUMEDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Question 1 pages
causes, contributory factors, motives and triggers as risk
assessment criteria for reoffending behaviour………………………………...3
Causes …………………………………………………………………………………4
Contributing factors ..…………………………………………………………………4
Motives …………………………………………………………………………………4
Triggers …………………………………………………………………………………5

Question 2
Multifaceted nature of
poverty…………………………………………………………………………………6;7;8
QUESTION 1

When conducting a recidivism risk assessment, it is important to consider a number of

factors that may influence an individual's likelihood of reoffending. The four main criteria
commonly used in risk assessment are cause, contributing factor, motivation and
trigger. There is an accumulated body of knowledge which has led to the identification
of risk

factors that appear to be important in understanding the likelihood of both offending and
reoffending. Static, historic risk factors (such as age at first offence, prior offence
history) are deemed by many to be reliable indicators of future criminogenic risk.
Dynamic risk factors (such as attitudes, beliefs) are used to indicate criminogenic need.
It is argued that the combined assessment of both risk and need improves the ability to
predict who is likely to offend, and who is not.

Causes:

Cause refers to the underlying factors or conditions that lead to the development of
criminal behaviour. These are often deep-rooted and may include factors such as a
history of substance abuse, mental health problems, substance abuse, or lack of social
support. Finding out why helps to understand the reason behind a person's criminal
behaviour. The reoffender might be given parole way easier with being pretty much
assessed
Contributing factors:

Contributing factors are additional factors that may increase the risk of relapse, but are
not necessarily the primary cause. These factors may include peer influence,
unemployment, low education, or prior criminal history, among others. Contributing
factors can increase the risk of relapse, but they may not be as deep-rooted as the
underlying causes.

Motives:

Motives refers to a specific reason or purpose that prompts a person to engage in

criminal activity. These factors can be very varied and may include financial gain,
revenge, thrill-seeking or the desire for power. Understanding the motivations for repeat
offending can help develop targeted interventions or strategies to address these issues.

Trigger:

A trigger is a specific event or situation that can cause a person to engage in criminal
behaviour. These factors may be external factors, such as stress, conflict, or
opportunities for crime, or internal factors, such as emotional distress or material needs.
Identifying triggers is critical to developing an effective risk management plan and
implementing preventative measures.

It is worth noting that these criteria are not mutually exclusive and often influence each
other. A comprehensive risk assessment must consider all of these factors to get a
complete picture of a person's risk of recidivism. By identifying causes, contributing
factors, motivations, and triggers, professionals can develop tailored interventions and
strategies to reduce the risk of relapse and promote successful recovery.

Poverty

Poverty has been identified as a significant structural barrier whereby people who

reoffend are likely to have a low socioeconomic status which when combined with

social and human factors such as issues in building conventional social skills and

issues with self-control can explain continued reoffending (Contreras et al., 2011).
This is emphasised by longitudinal research conducted in England demonstrating

that poverty can have a prevalent impact on reoffending especially when combined

with constrained social and human capital (Whitten et al., 2019). Lastly, Bell, Butler

and Lawther’s (2021) qualitative research with 29 men in Northern Ireland found that

low socioeconomic status within neighbourhoods can allow for criminal subcultures

to form. These subcultures can normalise offending and give rise to substance

misuse encouraging reoffending to continue. The links between human, social, and

structural capital are therefore important and structural barriers may explain

reoffending as they restrict an individual from meeting conventional human and

social capital standards.

QUESTION 2
The Multifaceted Nature of Poverty

Poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that goes beyond a simple lack of financial
resources. It encompasses various dimensions that interact and reinforce each other,
leading to a cycle of deprivation and marginalization. In this discussion, we will explore
some of the key facets of poverty.

Economic Dimension

Economic poverty refers to the lack of income and resources necessary to meet basic
needs and participate fully in society. It includes factors such as low wages,
unemployment, and limited access to credit and financial services. Economic poverty
often leads to inadequate housing, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and
education.

Social Dimension

Poverty also has a social dimension, which encompasses social exclusion,

discrimination, and limited social networks. Socially marginalized individuals and groups
face barriers in accessing opportunities and resources, leading to further
disadvantages. Social poverty can manifest in the form of limited social capital, reduced
social mobility, and stigmatization.

Political Dimension

The political dimension of poverty refers to the unequal distribution of power and
resources within society. Poverty is often rooted in systemic issues such as corruption,
unequal distribution of wealth, and lack of political representation. Political poverty can
perpetuate social and economic inequalities, making it difficult for marginalized groups
to escape poverty.

Environmental Dimension

The environmental dimension of poverty recognizes the impact of environmental

degradation and climate change on vulnerable communities. Poor communities often
bear the brunt of environmental hazards, such as natural disasters and pollution, which
further exacerbate their poverty. Environmental poverty highlights the need for
sustainable development and environmental justice.

Cultural Dimension

Cultural poverty refers to the loss of cultural identity and heritage due to poverty and
marginalization. It includes the erosion of traditional practices, languages, and values.
Cultural poverty can lead to a sense of disconnection and loss of social cohesion within
communities.

Interconnectedness of Dimensions

It is important to recognize that these dimensions of poverty are interconnected and

mutually reinforcing. For example, economic poverty can lead to social exclusion, which
in turn perpetuates economic disadvantage. Addressing poverty requires a
comprehensive approach that considers these interconnections and tackles the root
causes of poverty.

In conclusion, poverty is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond the lack of financial
resources. It encompasses economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural
dimensions. Understanding and addressing these dimensions is crucial for developing
effective strategies to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Crime and violence

Poor people are more at risk of being victims of crime. Crimes and violence are

forms of hardships experienced disproportionately by the poor, especially in South

Africa, where the rate of crime and violence is high. Poverty, unemployment and

marginalisation of women increase the risk of violence against women and children

who are often trapped in abusive relationships due to dependency on their partners

for food, shelter and money. Social problems in South Africa are closely linked to

crime, as the crime rate in many societies is measured against the poverty level and
state of development in a country. Often the crime and violence problems of a

country are compounded by the high rates of unemployment, overcrowding and

poor provision of municipal services (e. g. in South Africa there is a lack of

municipal policing services and street lighting in many areas, not to mention

derisory sewage and effluent treatment by many, if not most, municipalities). All

this are in direct contravention of the Government's Batho Pele protocol. The

Batho Pele principle of consultation states that citizens should be consulted about

the level, and quality of public services they receive, and also given a choice about

the services offered whenever possible regarding poverty and how it affects,

and ultimately puts at risk, the poor and vulnerable members of society. The risk is

further extended to the effect unemployment and poverty has on the economy of

South Africa. One of the worst mistakes would be to regard all poor people as a

homogeneous group. Nothing is further from the truth (Grootaert 1994:1532).

Poverty is characterised by a wide variety of causes. Rural and urban poverty differ,

and so too the consequences of poverty.

Beder et al (1993:9) have a good explanation of poverty: "Poverty means

powerlessness to negotiate or bargain or to prevent deception". If trade unions,

which have a lot of power, take part in demonstrations, they do so for the sake of

the working classes. Poor people are usually unemployed, and often as a result of

this, they do not have a voice.

REFERENCES
CMY2601/1/2020;19

CMY2601/1/2020;74

Hesselink _significance

Research and practice and risk management

https://www.studocu.com/en-za/messages/question/3226555/distinguish-
between-causes-contributory-factors-motives-and-triggers-as-risk-assessment-
criteria
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Name : Mathembi Gumede .Student # 58474323

Signed ……………………………………………. Date 04-09-2023