Government commences new protections for victims of crime during trials

New measures designed to increase the protection of victims of crime during trials have been commenced by Government today.

The protections being introduced include allowing the giving of evidence from behind a screen, the use of video evidence at trial stage and prevention from cross-examination by an accused person.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, who signed the orders today, said: “I believe that the new provisions will ensure that victims of crime, particularly those under the age of 18, are protected during trials for serious offences by means of providing evidence from behind a screen, preventing them from being directly cross-examined by the accused person, and allowing recorded video evidence to be used at trial.

“I am also pleased that special measures including giving evidence via video-link or from behind a screen have now been extended to all victims of crime and the use of an intermediary or pre-recorded statement in the case of child victims will now be available to those victims.”

The provisions will also allow for the regulation of the disclosure of third-party counselling records in sexual offence trials, as well as affording victims protection from further distress during these trials.

Mr Flanagan (pictured) added: “This important new safeguard will ensure that the appropriateness of disclosing sensitive information may be considered at a pre-trial hearing and as a matter for the court, with regard for the sensitive nature of such records and the impact of these disclosures for victims.”