Relatives 'need to be heard'

RELATIVES of murder victims must be given an opportunity to speak at the conclusion of trials, a support group urged yesterday.

Describing the impact of the death of a loved one gives the grieving family a sense they have a part to play in the trial process, even though it would make no difference to sentencing, Victim Support said.

Lillian McGovern, chief executive of the advocacy group, said a promised review of the four year old victims' charter should include specific clauses relating to the role of relatives in murder trials.

Ms McGovern also said crime victims, and relatives of people murdered, should have their views taken into account when the parole board is deciding on a release programme. "I don't mean in a lock them up and throw away the key type of way, but they should be allowed to be heard," she said.

In the case of murder trials, while the sentence is mandatory life, relatives still want to be given the opportunity to have a say.

Ms McGovern was speaking at a pan-European conference of victim support groups in Dublin. Delegates from 16 countries are in Ireland for the two-day gathering.

Junior Justice Minister Willie O'Dea, who opened the conference in Dublin Castle, promised a review of the victims' charter.

"The review will partly be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the existing victims' charter in meeting the needs of crime victims, as well as exploring ways in which victim care can be expanded and developed," he said.

Victim Support believes the charter is out of date and not working effectively. The group points to the haphazard implementation of key elements such as keeping the victim informed of the progress of an investigation and the hearing of impact assessments in court. Victims are also still not always informed of an impending release.

The conference also focused on deficiencies in the treatment of victims, particularly tourists, in different European countries. It heard how eight million, or one in four, European tourists are victims of crime. Yet, Spain and Greece, two of the most popular holiday destinations, have no victim support groups and no compensation system.

"Victim support organisations throughout Europe have always working closely together to try and ensure an integrated service for people who fall victim to crime abroad.

"Now we need the support of all governments in Europe to help us make this happen," Ms McGovern said.