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Victim Support Scotland is here to help anyone affected by crime. If you would like support, please complete some information about yourself and your experiences using our dedicated form.

You can also reach us via our support helpline or by using our live webchat service.

Request support

How we can help

Emotional support

Receive compassionate emotional support as you navigate the criminal justice system. We're here to guide and empower you every step of the way.

Understanding the criminal justice system

The criminal justice system is complicated, and it can be daunting to navigate your way around it. We can guide you through the system and refer you to specialist agencies if you require support.

Deciding whether to report a crime

If you have not reported the crime but want to discuss your options, we can do this with you. We can also help you report the crime if that’s what you decide.

Keeping you safe

We can help you to feel safe in your home, ensuring that you have taken appropriate steps to make it secure. We can provide you with a personal alarm so that you feel safe at home and on the move.

Accessing other agencies

We can liaise with your GP, housing association, and other supportive organisations, as well as refer you to specialists, accompany you to appointments, and clarify the justice process step-by-step.

Attending court

If you need to attend court, we can arrange a pre-visit to familiarise you with the surroundings and procedures. We'll also inform you about any special measures available and provide support during your trial to ease the experience.

Meeting financial costs

Costs associated with a crime can be an extra burden. We may be able to help you access funds if you are in urgent need immediately following a crime.

Your rights

We can help you to understand and exercise your rights, which by law you are entitled to, as part of the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014.

Our message for victims of crime

Our court services

As a victim of crime, attending court and giving evidence can be stressful and people may feel anxious about it.

If you are going to court, Victim Support Scotland’s Court Service can guide you through the process by helping you understand what to expect.

Find out more

Find a service near you

Enter your postcode

We also offer national services for those outside of Scotland.

View all services

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

I felt very vulnerable coming to court, but I was reassured and supported by Victim Support Scotland who kept me updated as the case approached. They consistently reassured me that none of the abuse had been my fault. They supported me in a pre-trial familiarisation visit to court, which helped greatly.

Paula Victim of Domestic Abuse

Impact

Emergency Assistance Fund

The Emergency Assistance Fund is open to people affected by crime across Scotland who are in urgent need of financial help as a result of what they have experienced. People can access a wide range of goods and services where they have no other access to funds.

The Fund is available to any victim of crime who is in urgent need of financial help as a direct result of a specific crime and has no means of accessing funding from any other source. The Emergency Assistance Fund is also available for some people who live outside Scotland and who have been a victim of crime that happened in Scotland.

Emergency Assistance Fund

Support for families bereaved by crime

Coping with the trauma of a murder involves many emotions and practical challenges, and we're here to provide compassionate help. Our Support for Families Bereaved by Crime service offers specialised support for families who have been bereaved as a result of crime.

Support for families bereaved by crime

Explore Infohub resources

Access articles, downloads, and more

Discover a variety of resources in the Infohub. Find informative articles, downloadable content, and much more to help you get the most out of our services.

Infohub

Your rights

Anyone can be affected by crime at any time. Many people have little or no knowledge of the criminal justice process and are unaware of their rights as victims or witnesses and so are unable to exercise them. Find out more about your rights.

Your rights

Support for young victims

We provide age-appropriate support for young victims of crime. If you're unsure whether you or someone you know has been a victim, our Helpline is here to support you. For those aged 11 and under, we guide parents and guardians to support the child. Those aged 12 and over can access our services directly.

Remember, you're not alone. For emotional and practical support, the first step is to contact us.

Support for the LGBTQI+ community

For members of the LGBTQI+ community who have experienced crime, Victim Support Scotland is a judgment-free zone. Our free and confidential support includes assistance in reporting crimes and navigating the justice system. We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by this community and are committed to providing informed support.

Remember, you're not alone. For emotional and practical support, the first step is to contact us.

Our partners

Without partnerships, we would not be able to fulfil our mission. Through our collaborations, we have achieved a wide range of outcomes, such as having victim and witness rights recognised and adhered to, influencing the policy and practices of local and national government, and inputting the voices, views and experiences of victims to support positive changes in the law.