Today, the 8th of July, in Garda Headquarters, the Garda Commissioner, along with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence and the Director of Public Prosecutions launched Guidelines entitled ‘Making a Victim Impact Statement’.
Also present at the launch were other criminal justice agencies including the Victims of Crime Office and the Court Service as well as representatives of various victim support organisations.
In launching the Guidelines the Garda Commissioner stressed the important place that victims have within the criminal justice system and the continuing efforts to ensure their needs are meet. He said this was evidenced by the presence of all the stakeholders.
The Garda Commissioner stated he was aware of the need to provide information to victims who encounter the criminal justice system and these guidelines will go some way to supporting victims in what may be difficult circumstances.
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.”
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. The Garda Commissioner looked forward to these organisations continuing to work closely together and in support of all efforts to make victims central to the criminal justice process.
Mr. Alan Shatter T. D., Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence welcomed the guidance and added to the Commissioner’s comments: "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.”
The guidelines include information on;
What is a Victim Impact Statement, who can make one and when?
When do I make my Victim Impact Statement and what can I say?
How do I make a Victim Impact Statement and can I get someone to help me
What happens to my Victim Impact Statement and can I be asked about it
The guidelines are available at www.garda.ie, www.victimsofcrimeoffice.ie and www.dppireland.ie
