5. Victim personal statement
During a prosecution, The Victims' Code gives victims the right to make a victim personal statement.
The statement lets you explain, in your own words, how a crime has affected you. This can be physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way.
This is different from a witness statement. The Victim Personal Statement is voluntary. The judge or magistrate considers it when they are sentencing the defendant. It can also help us consider if you and your family need any more support.
If you are a bereaved close relative you have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement whether you have made a witness statement or not. You also have the right to have someone with you when you make your statement.