Victim voice scheme to go national next April

Impact statements to be open to victims in all solemn cases

News, 28 April 2008

Victims will have the opportunity to tell courts about the physical, emotional and economic impact a crime had on them from spring next year.

The Victim Statement Scheme will be introduced across Scotland on 1 April 2009 in High Courts and sheriff and jury cases.

From that date, victims of crimes in High Court or sheriff and jury cases will be able to choose to make a statement telling the court of the emotional, financial and medical impact a crime had on them. The statement will be made after finding of guilt but before sentencing. Statements are designed to give victims a voice, not influence the sentence.

In a pilot scheme carried out in the sheriff courts of Ayr, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock and in the High Court sitting at Edinburgh and Kilmarnock, 61% of victims said the statement helped them feel better and 83% said they were glad to have participated. The takeup rate was 60% for higher tariff crimes but low with less serious charges.

Support and dignity

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "By introducing a national Victim Statement Scheme for serious criminal cases the Scottish Government is giving victims a voice in court. They can choose to tell the court about the effects the crime had on them, after the accused has been found guilty, but before they are sentenced.

"This scheme will help make sure that the justice system treats victims fairly and with the dignity and support they deserve."

David McKenna, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, added: "The positive evidence from the pilot scheme illustrates that giving victims a voice in our justice system provides positive benefits."