Victims of Crime and the Law

Rules

The Criminal Evidence Act, 1992

This Act makes it easier for witnesses to give evidence in physical or sexual abuse cases by allowing for a live television link with the court. In some cases, this Act forces the spouse of the accused to give evidence for the prosecution.

The Act makes it easier for children to give evidence by getting rid of

• the need to give evidence on oath
• the need for corroboration (previously, additional evidence confirming the evidence given by the child was needed)
• the wearing of wigs and gowns by barristers when evidence is being given by television links.

The Criminal Justice Act, 1993

This Act forces the court to consider the effect of a violent or sexual offence on you when it is deciding the sentence.

If you are a victim of a violent or sexual offence, you are also entitled to give evidence in court about how the crime affected you.

The Act allows the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal lenient sentences and gives the court the power to force the offender to pay compensation to you for any personal injury or loss you suffered.

The Domestic Violence Act, 1996

This Act has updated and modernised the existing law relating to various forms of assault, threats to kill or cause serious harm, poisoning, false imprisonment and abduction of children. The Act has also introduced a number of new offences. The Act has measures dealing with

• Assaults
• Offences relating to violence or threats of violence involving syringes and/or blood
• The offence of harassment, which is aimed at what is commonly known as "stalking"
• Debt collection with threats or menaces
• Coercion
• Endangerment
• Poisoning or the administration of substances intended to interfere with bodily functions
• The use of reasonable force in protecting yourself, your family and your property from criminal activity.

The Bail Act, 1997

This Act tightened up the bail regime.

• Now a court may refuse bail to a person charged with a serious offence if it is likely that the person may commit another serious offence while he or she is on bail. In addition, the Act requires a court to impose consecutive sentences when an offence is committed on bail

The Criminal Justice Act, 1999

This Act deals with the protection of witnesses, including victims, who may have to give evidence in court.

It allows witnesses who are in fear or subject to intimidation to give evidence by a live television link:

It creates some new offences, including intimidation of a witness, a jury member or any person helping the Gardai with a criminal investigation. The penalty is up to 10 years imprisonment.