VICTIM’S VOICES

Families who have lost loved ones through murder, manslaughter or death by dangerous driving will be given an opportunity to have their views heard in the courtroom from October. The Victim Focus initiative, which has been tested for the last year under the umbrella of the Victims’ Advocate Scheme pilots, will introduce prosecutors to families to produce impact statements. If the family wishes, these statements will be read out in court. Attorney General Lord Goldsmith says the scheme “represents a huge breakthrough in how we, the prosecutors, can work with victims’ families”.

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