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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Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 Debate
At Wednesday’s debate on Stage 3 of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill, we’re asking members of the Criminal Justice Committee to consider the rights of victims who are harmed by 16 and 17-year-olds. Read our briefing to MSPs.
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Remote evidence suites
Victim Support Scotland receives £500,000 funding from Scottish Government for specialist remote evidence suites
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Stage 1 debate
At today’s debate on Stage 1 of the Victim’s, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, we’re asking members of the Criminal Justice Committee to keep victims’ views at the heart of their decision-making. Read our briefing to MSPs:
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Victims’ charity seeks support to uphold victims’ rights
Victim Support Scotland, Scotland’s leading national charity for victims, is urging MSPs to consider victim support and information needs in the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill as the debate of Stage 3 of the Bill approaches on 24 April.
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Join Victim Support Scotland as a charity Trustee
Are you an exceptional leader, ambitious for change to improve victims’ and witnesses’ experiences of the criminal justice system? Leading charity VSS is looking for high calibre and committed professionals to join our Board of Trustees.
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The importance of feedback
We always seek to hear from individuals affected by crime about their experiences with our services. This is crucial to ongoing learning and improvement within our work and in informing others about how our support can make a difference. We particularly encourage those who have experienced harm caused by children and young people under 18 to share their views.
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Minister goes to court to learn about services for victims and witnesses
As part of Victims’ Awareness Week, Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown visited Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a familiarisation visit.
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Bex’s story
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Campaign launches to support more victims of crime – press release
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Student Volunteering Week – Priya’s story
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Student Volunteering Week – Anna’s story
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Victim support organisations sign open letter calling for anonymity for children who die as a result of crime
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