Victims and Witnesses – Joint Protocol
Victim Support Scotland (VSS), The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS), and Police Scotland recognise the important role that victims and witnesses have in securing effective and efficient justice for the people of Scotland.
This Protocol has been agreed in order to identify best practice and obtain consistency of approach to improve witness engagement and support. We will work together to understand and meet witness needs, treating them appropriately, professionally and with respect at all times. We aim to avoid duplication and confusion so that we can improve certainty around the court experience.
The Protocol governs how we will:
- share information;
- arrange for witnesses to see around a court before trial;
- identify and explore the vulnerability of witnesses;
- consider the impact this may have on their ability to give their best evidence; and assess what special measures and/or additional support will make a difference
Latest news and blogs
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Victim Support Scotland voices concerns about Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill
Victim Support Scotland has voiced concerns about the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill.
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Media Reporting on Child Homicide – Victim Support Scotland Consultation Response
Victim Support Scotland's response to the Scottish Government consultation on Media Reporting on Child Homicide.
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Highlighting the role of Trustees at VSS
We sat down with Gillian Imery, one of our trustees, to chat about the role she plays, why she decided to get involved with VSS, and how her skills and experience enrich our charity.
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Statement on Homicide in Scotland figures
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement in response to the Homicide in Scotland figures released by the Scottish Government.
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Statement on Police Scotland rape statistics
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the figures released by Police Scotland which show an increase in the number of rape cases reported within the last 6 months, alongside the launch of the latest 'That Guy' campaign.
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Victims of hate crime need to have their voices heard
This article by our Chief Executive Kate Wallace argues why more must be done to support victims of hate crime.
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Statement on Scottish Government’s plans for Victim Notification Scheme reform.
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the Scottish Government's plans for reform of the Victim Notification Scheme.
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Statement on Scottish Government plans for long-term prisoner release
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the Scottish Government's plans for long-term prisoner release.
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Experiencing Hate Crime – Helena’s* story
When Helena’s* partner became disabled as a result of a severe stroke, they began to experience a series of hate crimes perpetrated against them by a neighbour. VSS supported her during the court process, towards the end of her ordeal. This is her story.
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Your Views Needed – Media Reporting on Child Homicide Victims
We are encouraging people to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Media Reporting on Child Homicide Victims.
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Victim Support Scotland Annual Report 2023/24
Victim Support Scotland has issued its Annual Report and Accounts for the 2023/24 financial year.
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Statement on removal of under-18s from Scotland’s young offender institutions
Victim Support Scotland has released a statement commenting on the news that all under-18s have been removed from Scotland's young offender institutions.
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