About us

Who we are

Victim Support Scotland is the foremost charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime throughout Scotland. We offer free, independent and confidential support for victims, witnesses and their families.

Our vision

People affected by crime – victims, witnesses and their families – are treated with dignity and respect and are at the heart of justice in Scotland.

Our mission

Provide those affected by crime with high-quality support and care they need to move forward with their lives.

About us

What we do

Supporting, Advocating, Empowering

Our services go beyond the ordinary, providing a comprehensive range of assistance that includes information, practical aid, emotional support, and guidance throughout the criminal justice journey. Our support operates across four key pillars:

Support services (court and community)

Tailored assistance throughout the journey

Our support services are tailored for victims and witnesses, guiding them through the criminal justice process. Specialising in specific crimes like murder, terrorism, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and hate crime, we empower individuals and foster resilience for them to create a path forward.

Support services

Policy & advocacy

Amplifying voices, shaping change

As advocates for positive change within the criminal justice system, we champion the rights of victims and witnesses. Actively influencing national policy decision-making, we collaborate with key agencies, the third sector, and local organisations to work towards enhancements in support services and victim rights.

Policy & advocacy

Support for Families Bereaved by Crime

Acknowledging unique challenges

Victim Support Scotland understands the profound challenges faced by family members of murder victims. Our dedicated team offers immediate assistance with practical tasks, financial concerns, and funeral arrangements. Providing consistent information and emotional support, we guide you through the legal justice system. From court support to familiarisation visits and access to specialist services, we are committed to helping families navigate these difficult times with compassion and understanding.

Support for families bereaved by crime

National Support Centre

Coordinated efforts for comprehensive aid

For many people affected by crime, talking to us via our helpline or webchat service is the first step towards moving forward after a crime. Our National Support Centre volunteers assist in running our helpline and webchat services, providing a safe space for victims, witnesses, or their families to talk about their experiences, ask questions and find further information.

National support centre

Our impact

VSS provided emotional support throughout. VSS were there on the day of court and I don’t think I would have managed without them. They kept me calm, just provided me support.

Ian Victim of Anti-social behaviour

Victim Support helped me by listening to me, and putting me in contact with other organisations that I needed. I now volunteer with Victim Support Scotland’s Witness Service at a Sheriff Court.

Hannah Victim of domestic abuse and coercive control

Impact

Our partners

Across the country, our services create a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by crime through effective partnerships at all levels. These collaborations are crucial to our mission, enabling us to achieve significant outcomes such as recognising and adhering to victim and witness rights, influencing government policies and practices, and amplifying victims' voices to support positive legal changes.

Other organisations who can help you

We work in partnership with local and national organisations who can provide specialist support depending on your needs.

Find out more

Support our cause

Make a donation

We are an independent charity funded by the Scottish Government and rely on additional support from local partners and public donations. Your contribution makes a difference. Please donate today to help us continue our vital work.

Donate

Our people

Victim Support Scotland has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers providing essential support to around 50,000 people affected by crime each year. Our operations are coordinated from national offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and local offices across Scotland. Our specialist court service volunteers are present in every court throughout the country, ensuring comprehensive support for victims and witnesses.

Our people

Policy areas

Explore our policy advocacy efforts prioritising victim and witness well-being. From shaping victim-centric reforms to fostering partnerships in criminal justice, we're dedicated to impactful policy change addressing all aspects of crime's impact on individuals' lives.

Media Reporting on Child Homicide Victims

Victim Support Scotland has been a leading advocate for enhanced protections for people affected by crime, focusing currently on ensuring anonymity for children who die as a result of crime.

Learn more