"As a witness and survivor of a violent crime, I would want every victim to know they have the right to support."

“When my partner was murdered in 2017, my whole world imploded. Entering the justice system at any point is terrifying, and I started my journey heartbroken and utterly lost. I had no idea where to turn or what to expect next. I felt I had very little control over the decisions that impacted my life, which had been turned completely upside down. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not asked for help.

“I was fortunate enough to be assigned Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) from Police Scotland who were knowledgeable and supportive, and they did make me aware of some of the services available. I was given a leaflet with a list of organisations and the numbers of how to contact them. Although, I feel it’s important to say, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to consider accessing them at this stage. I honestly found the whole situation totally overwhelming.

“They also gave me a book, produced by the Scottish Government, which contained guidance and information for those bereaved by murder. This really helped my family and I to work through some of the questions we had about next steps in our own time, and navigate our way through the jargon that kept cropping up at the various stages of our case.

Remember, you have the right to feel frightened, upset, lost, angry and confused. The right to ask questions and expect answers. The right to be a priority. The right to be listened to and the right to ask for help when you need it."Victim support can be life changing, and everyone should know they have the fundamental right to access it.

Bex

“We also had a representative from the Victim Information & Advice (VIA) service who accompanied us to any court hearings we were permitted to attend and answered queries about the progress of the trial.

“Not all victims and witnesses are fortunate enough to be provided with tools like these, but it meant we felt more comfortable and better informed. However, it is vital offers of support continue long past the initial stages of any investigation or court process. Victims often end up feeling forgotten once legal proceedings have concluded.

“Everyone is different, and not everyone needs support right away. By the time you do feel ready – which could be months or even years down the line – the professionals who were around you initially may no longer be involved in your case. It took me almost a year to decide I was ready. It can feel like a minefield not knowing where to start, but I would want anyone who has experienced trauma to know they do not have to face it alone. Support is there, and you have the right to access it. It’s up to you, as an individual, to decide when.

“Nowadays, the information available to people is better. Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, COPFS and Victim Support Scotland, among other partners, all have really helpful pages on their websites about support. They also have a list of organisations who provide tailored services to meet your needs. The Victim’s Code can also be accessed online and lays out clearly all your rights as a victim of crime.

“Remember, you have the right to feel frightened, upset, lost, angry and confused. The right to ask questions and expect answers. The right to be a priority. The right to be listened to and the right to ask for help when you need it. Victim support can be life changing, and everyone should know they have the fundamental right to access it. These rights do not expire.”

VSS supports anyone affected by a crime, no matter what it is or when it happened. The service is free and confidential and designed to assist people who have been directly or indirectly affected by crime, helping them to see life beyond what they have experienced.

Victims’ Awareness Week takes please from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 February 2024, and coincides with European Day for Victims on Thursday 22 February 2024.