Is the Argument in Favor of Witness Statements Relates to the Debt Owed to the Victims and Their Families?

I'm wondering if the argument in favor of witness statements relates to the debt owed to the victims and their families. Is that what makes this such a common feature of these kinds of trials? I think that's te argument for it is. If it would make the victims happier, feel that tey they're getting what they deserve,. It's an excellent case for it. But it seems to go too far to have these statements influencing the influence e sentencing.