Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Victims Task Force

8th October 2018

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf is to chair a dedicated task force to improve victims' experiences of the justice system.

The task force will drive delivery of government commitments to ensure victims' voices are heard, to streamline their journey through the criminal justice system, and to provide wide-ranging support and accessible information through the process.

It will hear evidence directly from victims on their experiences of the justice system and membership will include senior decision-makers from justice agencies and voluntary sector partners, including those who directly represent victims.

The first meeting will take place later this year.

Mr Yousaf said:"The impact of crime can be long-lasting and traumatic. Significant progress has been made in recent years to enhance victims' rights and provide funding for appropriate support, while criminal justice agencies have set robust standards of service for victims and witnesses. However, we must go further to ensure the justice system does not exacerbate trauma and distress.

"Crime in Scotland has fallen by around a third over the last decade with fewer people becoming victims. However, some crime types such as sexual offences show increases and we must redouble our efforts to ensure where any victim of crime comes forward they are provided with a consistently high standard of service.

"Since my appointment I have made clear my determination to develop a truly victim-centred approach which will demand coordinated action by justice system partners and victim support organisations. This task force will accelerate progress by keeping up momentum and ensuring accountability, focusing on the improvements that matter most to victims and working together to break down barriers to change."

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive, Victim Support Scotland:

"We strongly believe that a partnership approach is the best way to ensure that everyone affected by crime gets the support they need. It will mean that the voices of victims and witnesses are better heard, that we'll be able to develop improved services and that we can create more effective policies. No single organisation has all the answers so bringing together our different perspectives and expertise is essential.

"We appreciate the Scottish Government's leadership in this area and are looking forward to playing a key role ourselves in the new task force."

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland said:"Recorded levels of rape continue to increase, with new figures released last week showing a further 22% increase. Rape complainers continue to tell us of very difficult experiences of the criminal justice system, with the fear of giving evidence of this nature compounded by long delays and frequent changes in court dates.

"This task force is an opportunity to make a difference to complainers' experience of, and confidence in, the justice system."