This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Strategy for Victims progress report
29/11/2004
A progress report on the Scottish Strategy for Victims was published today. The report sets out what has been done over the last 18 months to improve information and support for victims, and the opportunities for them to have their voice heard within the criminal justice system.
The Scottish Strategy for Victims was launched in January 2001 and this is the second progress report.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"The report shows that a great deal has been achieved by many organisations, working hard together, to meet the information and support needs of victims. This partnership approach is the key to the successful delivery of services for victims and I would like to thank all those whose dedication and commitment over the last few years has brought about the improvements set out in this report.
"However, we can and must do more to build on these achievements, further improve services for the victims of crime and ensure that their needs are met. That is why we have embarked on a systematic review of the Strategy which will take account of the changes that have been introduced since its launch in 2001 and recommend what further work can be done to improve information and support for victims and their families.
"While the number of victims of crime is relatively small, the fear of crime in Scotland remains very real and we cannot underestimate the impact which this has. We are determined to better protect the majority of law-abiding, hardworking Scots from the law-breaking few who blight their lives and communities, and will shortly be revealing new measures to tackle their offending behaviour and make our communities safer as part of our Criminal Justice Plan."
Key points of progress for victims in Scotland:
- During 2003-2004 the Scottish Executive provided funding totalling more than £6 million for victim and witness services. This included £3.3 million for Victim Support Scotland to deliver local victim support services and the court-based Witness Service; and £1.3 million for the Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service.
- The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) extended the Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service to all 11 Procurator Fiscal areas and 20 district offices. This service offers case specific information and advice to victims of certain crimes and to vulnerable witnesses, gives information on legal procedures and offers victims the chance to discuss issues that concern them.
- The Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 was passed. The Act allows child and adult vulnerable witnesses to benefit from a number of special measures and other provisions aimed at helping them give their best evidence. Implementation of the Act will be phased, beginning in spring 2005 with child witnesses in High Court, sheriff court solemn cases and Children's Hearings court procedures.
- Guidance was published in June 2004, on providing restorative warnings from the police to help deal with youth offending. This will ensure that victims are kept informed of progress and action taken against young offenders.
- A pilot Victim Statement scheme gives victims of certain crimes or their families the chance to submit a written statement to the court about the impact - physical, emotional and financial - that the crime has had on them. The pilot scheme is running in Ayr, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock Sheriff Courts and in the High Court in Edinburgh and on circuit at Kilmarnock. The decision whether to roll out the scheme across Scotland will be subject to Parliamentary approval and informed by the results of an evaluation of the pilots, which will be completed around spring 2006.
The progress report was also welcomed by Neil Paterson the Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland who said:
"The Scottish Strategy for Victims has significantly improved the treatment of victims and witnesses in the Criminal Justice System. The update shows the wide range of initiatives which are now in place delivered in partnership by Government, statutory organisations and the voluntary sector."
The review of the Strategy should be complete early in 2005.