Severe psychological harm - consultation

Draft guideline for consultation only. Draft guidelines should not be taken into account when sentencing.
Where no offence-specific guideline exists, refer to General guideline: overarching principles

The assessment of psychological harm experienced by the victim is for the sentencer. Whilst it may be assisted by expert evidence, such evidence is not necessary for a finding of psychological harm, including severe psychological harm. A sentencer may assess that such harm has been suffered on the basis of evidence from the victim, including evidence contained in a Victim Personal Statement (VPS), or on his or her observation of the victim whilst giving evidence.