Victim personal statements in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland's victim personal statement procedure, a victim personal statement (VPS) lets a victim explain in their own words how a crime has affected or continues to affect them. It is considered when the accused pleads guilty or is found guilty.
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Making a VPS is voluntary. The guidance states that declining to provide one does not damage the case and should not lead to an assumption that the victim was unaffected by the crime.
VerifiedThe guidance directs victims to prepare a draft and have the VPS recorded by, or made through, Victim Support NI, the NSPCC Young Witness Service or a PSNI Family Liaison Officer. The completed statement must be signed and given to the assisting service or officer.
VerifiedWhen a decision is made to prosecute a crime against a victim, the Victim and Witness Care Unit writes to the victim, or a known bereaved family member or representative, explaining the prosecution decision and the opportunity to make a VPS.
VerifiedA VPS should focus on the harm caused by the crime rather than recounting the offence itself, which the court hears about separately. It should not include views about the defendant, other alleged offences or the punishment to be imposed.
VerifiedA VPS must be made before sentence is passed. The guidance says that a case generally cannot be delayed merely because the statement was not submitted in sufficient time, and that rapid proceedings can sometimes prevent submission before sentencing.
VerifiedA direct victim may make a VPS. If the victim has died or cannot make a statement because of their physical or mental health, a close family member or representative may write it, with the Victim and Witness Care Unit made aware of the arrangement. For a victim under 18, a parent or guardian may make a statement instead of, or alongside, the victim.
VerifiedThe judge must consider a VPS provided before sentencing, but the judge alone decides the sentence. The sentencing decision also takes account of matters including the legal maximum, aggravating and mitigating factors, case law and sentencing guidance.
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