MAMAA Believe that victim’s and families of victims must have the right to:
- All victims should have access to free trauma counselling
- Be fully aware of their legal rights in relation to all aspects of the criminal justice system. This to include, but not be limited to, pathologists and coroner law
- Receive full information and explanation about the progress of their case from the outset – this information to be given sensitively, but at all times honestly, whether written or oral
- Provide information to officials responsible for decisions relating to the offender
- Have access to legal advice available, regardless of their financial means
- Be treated with respect and recognition at all stages of the criminal justice proceedings
- Read out, or elect a person to read out their impact statement, in open court
- Be fully aware that their impact statement and its method of delivery rely on the discretion of the judge
- Have representation of the victim at the trial
- Receive full support with issues that accompany the loss of a loved one through murder/manslaughter to include, but not limited to, housing and benefits
- Be listened to and heard. Be able to make contact whenever they want to
- Be allowed and encouraged to make their own, fully informed decisions
- Protection both for their privacy and for their physical safety
- Practical support – day to day life management is no longer normal
- Specialist support for vulnerable family members i.e.: children and those that are elderly, disabled or ill
- Be given special consideration given for religious beliefs and customs
- Ongoing support for as long as it is needed – not just in the aftermath of murder
- Be awarded criminal compensation on their merit, not that of the deceased
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