This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Extra support for Cupar crime victims
13/04/2004
Support for victims of crime in Cupar was boosted today following the extension of the service offered by Victim Information and Advice (VIA) to include the Cupar area.
VIA is part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and provides a dedicated service to certain victims of crime, bereaved next-of-kin and vulnerable witnesses, offering information and advice about the criminal justice system in general, specific cases and the range of practical and emotional support available at a local and national level.
The service is a Scotland-wide initiative that is considered the most significant practical development in assisting victims of crime for over 20 years. Victims, witnesses and next of kin involved with cases reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Cupar will benefit from the VIA service in Fife, which is based at the area office in Kirkcaldy.
Sue Moody, Director of VIA said:
"The path through the criminal justice system can be difficult and distressing for victims, bereaved relatives and vulnerable witnesses. VIA will guide them along that path showing the way through the system by offering information and advice to those who need it most."
Area Procurator Fiscal for Fife, Cameron Ritchie said:
"We are committed to improving the service we offer to victims and witnesses, and I am pleased that the VIA service has now been extended to include Cupar. Working with the experienced staff at Cupar fiscal's office, VIA will provide valuable support and advice to victims and witnesses."
Procurators Fiscal in Cupar will refer appropriate victims of crimes, bereaved relatives and vulnerable witnesses to the local VIA team for cases from April 13, 2004.
VIA has three principal functions:
- provide information to victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin about the criminal justice process in general.
- keep victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin informed about the progress of the case that affects them in particular.
- advise on, and facilitate referral to, other agencies for specialist support and counselling as required.
VIA is currently operational in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Paisley, Stirling and throughout the Dumfries and Galloway, Grampian and Lanarkshire areas.
The extension of the service to Cupar is part of a national roll-out programme that will also see the service extend to the Fiscal District of Dunfermline later in the year, which will complete coverage across Fife. VIA will be available across Scotland by the end of 2004.
The main categories include:
- The next of kin in cases involving deaths where there may be criminal proceedings, a Fatal Accident Inquiry, or significant further inquiries.
- Victims in cases of domestic abuse, cases with a racial aggravation or cases involving sexual offences.
- Victims in all cases where the nature of the charges is indicative of solemn proceedings.
- Child victims or witnesses.
- Vulnerable victims or witnesses in any case. Vulnerability may arise due to an individual's circumstances or personal characteristics.