New Victims’ Fund launches amidst Coronavirus outbreak

Victims of crime will be supported through financial hardship, thanks to a new Fund that has been set up through Victim Support Scotland.

Launched in April 2020, the Victims’ Fund is a boost to the already existing financial package that is available to victims.

The Scottish Government has increased the size of the fund for the new financial year by £70,000, meaning that £100,000 in total is available for paying for goods and services to victims and their families.

People affected by crime will be able to access assistance worth up to £3,000.

The Fund is open to any victim of any crime who is resident in Scotland currently accessing victim and other support services. It is also available for people who live outside of Scotland who have been bereaved by a crime that has occurred within Scotland.

Victim Support Scotland has said the Fund will operate on the basis that there is an urgent identified need, no other organisation can meet this need, and the crime must have been reported to the Police of other organisation.

Third sector organisations can apply for the Fund on behalf of victims that they are supporting.

Kate Wallace, CEO of Victim Support Scotland, comments:

“We believe that this is a hugely positive step in putting victims first during a time of great uncertainty.

“It’s an unfortunate reality that some people that have experienced crime find themselves in financial hardship and therefore this Fund can support in covering costs such as food and other basic necessities, repairing and replacing damaged items, and rent deposits.

“We hope that the Victims’ Fund will help make a substantial difference to the lives of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people during the pandemic.”

Find out more details about the Victims’ Fund.