Annual Report 2012-2013 page 77

11. In prosecuting charges of assault, especially sexual assault, there should be particular concern for the position of the victim. Many such people have suffered severe emotional and physical distress as a result of the offence and may be confused and apprehensive at the prospect of having to give evidence. Prosecutors should carefully explain to victims of such offences the role which they play in the prosecution process and, if appropriate, the steps that can be taken to ensure their protection. Where a decision is made not to proceed further with a particular prosecution or to accept a plea of guilty to a lesser charge the victim is entitled to be informed and given reasons for the decision in question. Conversely, where a victim does not wish the prosecution to proceed because, for example, the resultant trial would cause further humiliation and/or trauma, those wishes should receive due consideration. However, in some instances, the interests of the wider community may demand that the prosecution proceed.

These guidelines are not intended to cover every conceivable situation, which may be encountered during the prosecution process. Prosecutors must seek to resolve a wide range of issues with judgment, sensitivity and commonsense. It is neither practicable nor desirable to fetter the prosecutor’s discretion as to the manner in which the dictates of justice and fairness may best be served in every case. Nonetheless, emerging trends in the pattern of criminal behaviour and/or the manner in which proceedings are conducted may, from time to time, raise the need for further guidelines.