Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

228 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
concerns of victims to be presented and considered at
appropriate stages of the proceedings where their personal
interests are affected, without prejudice to the accused and
consistent with the relevant national criminal justice system”.
Article 56(1)(d) of the Istanbul Convention requires that States
“[enable] victims, in a manner consistent with the procedural
rules of internal law, to be heard, to supply evidence and have
their views, needs and concerns presented, directly or through
an intermediary, and considered”.
The UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women
suggests that women subjected to violence should be able to
decide if and how they submit evidence to court proceedings.
In cases of violence against women, States should enable
women to be able to submit evidence in person or via
alternative means, including “drafting a sworn
statement/affidavit, requesting that the prosecutor present
relevant information on her behalf, and/or submitting taped
testimony”. 609
Interpretation and translation of documents
The UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women
suggests that States provide free access to a qualified and
impartial interpreter and the translation of legal documents,
where requested or required. 610 Under the Istanbul Convention,
States parties must “[provide] victims with independent and
competent interpreters when victims are parties to proceedings
or when they are supplying evidence”. 611
Translating for women who have been subject to violence is a
specific skill requiring particular sensitivity, thoroughness and
absolute confidentiality. Standards that have been developed
more generally for victims of torture under the Istanbul
609
UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women, above
note 511, page 40.
610
Ibid, page 39; Istanbul Convention, above note 509, Article
56(1)(h).
611
Istanbul Convention, above note 509, Article 56(1)(h).