The Statement on the Treatment of Victims and Witnesses was issued on 7 April 2004.

Speaking at a media briefing on 7 April 2004, Mr I Grenville Cross, SC, JP, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:-

This Statement indicates how as prosecutors we consider that victims and witnesses should be treated, and the means by which prosecutors will safeguard their interests. The Statement is a road map for prosecutors. It places victims and witnesses at the heart of our calculations in the course of decision-making, in the course of criminal proceedings, and after trials or appeals are over. The Statement is a practical document designed to provide those involved in the criminal process with the best possible deal. The Statement is a pact between the prosecutors and those people who are the victims of crime and witnesses to crime.

Topics include:

The Vision of the Department of Justice

• Prosecutors committed to a fair deal

Statement of Policy

• The role of the Department of Justice
• The decision to prosecute
• Information about victims and witnesses
• Compensation and Restitution
• Safety of victims and witnesses
• Victims and witnesses at court
• Standards of Service
• Witness protection
• Before trial
• At trial
• Consequences of offence and compensation and restitution
• Defence mitigation
• Witness expenses
• Appeals to the High Court
• Reviews of sentence to the Court of Appeal
• Cases involving fatalities and serious harm
• After cases are over

Conclusion

• Transparency and assistance creating confidence