Crime victims to have voice heard

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Victims of serious crime are to be given the opportunity to describe the impact their ordeal has had on them.

The victim statement scheme will also allow relatives of those who have died as the result of crime to give a statement to the court.

The written statements will be read by the presiding sheriff or judge before they pass sentence.

The scheme has been brought in across Scotland after a successful two-year pilot.

The written statements, which will include details of physical, mental and financial impact victims and their families have suffered, will be used in more serious criminal cases, which are heard before a jury.

For too long, many victims have suffered in silence - the forgotten voice in the justice system Kenny MacAskillJustice secretary

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "We know that being a victim of crime can be a terrifying experience, and we know that the effects can last for a long time. Even after physical scars have healed, the emotional or financial ones can still be felt.

"For too long, many victims have suffered in silence - the forgotten voice in the justice system.

"That's why I'm pleased that thousands victims of serious crime will now have their voices heard loud and clear."

He said the scheme was a further demonstration of the Scottish Government's commitment to ensuring crime victims got the help and support they needed to recover from their ordeal.

A study carried out following the pilot at Ayr, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock sheriff courts and the High Courts in Edinburgh and Kilmarnock, showed the majority of those who provided a statement were glad they had done so.

'Welcome development'

Victims will be invited to make a statement once a decision has been made to take a case to trial.

Parents or guardians can make a statement on behalf of a victim under the age of 14, and up to four close relatives can prepare a statement if the victim died as a result of the crime.

The nationwide roll out of the initiative was welcomed by Jim Andrews, director of operations for Victim Support Scotland.

He said: "For those who choose to participate in the statement scheme it is a welcome development, and something for which Victim Support Scotland has campaigned."