New guidelines for victim impact statements

A new set of guidelines have been published for people giving victim impact statements.

The updated guidelines tell victims what they can say and when.

The statement is read out in court after conviction but before sentencing and is designed to help the Judge understand the impact of a crime.

The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan says it is not allowed in all cases - only in cases of violence or sexual offences.

"Victims, of course, are at the centre of everything we do," he said.

"And I think it's a very, very important message that we're getting out there to those unfortunate people who do become the victim of crime, that there are levels of support, both from An Garda Síochána, from the courts service itself, and indeed members of the judiciary, who can take their voice into consideration when dealing with sentencing.

"I think that's very important."

Claire Loftus, Director of Public Prosecutions highlighted the importance of clear, accessible language when presenting information for victims.

"The guidance is aimed at victims of crime and I believe they will benefit if the information presented to them is clear, concise and accurate," she said.

The guidelines themselves were developed through a partnership of An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Victims of Crime Office.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said: "The victim impact statement provides a unique opportunity for victims of crime and families of those who have died as a result of a crime to move from being passive spectators in the criminal justice system, to give an account, in their own words, of the effect that the crime has had on them, be it physical, emotional, psychological or financial.

"The work between the Guards, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and my Department on the current guidance document gives me hope that we can create a more humane system which, respecting fully the rights of the accused, can accommodate the legitimate needs of the victim and ensure the voice of the victim is heard."