Victim Support Scotland has been a leading advocate for enhanced protections for people affected by crime, focusing currently on ensuring anonymity for children who die as a result of crime. This advocacy stems from direct lobbying by affected families and forms part of a broader campaign to protect the privacy and rights of young victims and their families. Throughout 2023 and 2024, VSS has worked diligently to improve the information and support available to victims and witnesses of crimes committed by young people, who are often young people themselves. This remains a key area of focus for us.

Importance of anonymity for victims of crime

Anonymity for victims of crime is crucial for several reasons:

  • Protecting privacy: Ensuring anonymity helps protect the privacy of victims and their families, shielding them from unwanted public attention and media scrutiny.

  • Preventing additional trauma: Exposure can lead to further psychological harm, especially for young victims and their families, who may already be dealing with significant emotional distress.

  • Encouraging reporting: Anonymity can encourage more victims to come forward and report crimes, knowing their identities will be protected.

  • Maintaining dignity: It ensures that victims and their families can maintain their dignity and are not retraumatised by the publicity surrounding their case.

Our work to date

Legislative Advocacy

Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill

Stage 2 Debate (February 2024):

  • Advocacy for amendments: VSS advocated for amendments to extend reporting restrictions to deceased victims, ensuring their anonymity.

  • Retrospective reporting restrictions: Proposed mechanisms to apply retrospective reporting restrictions.

  • Family application processes: Developed processes for families to apply for and appeal anonymity.

Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

  • Comprehensive feedback: Provided extensive feedback at all legislative stages.

  • Trauma-informed practices: Advocated for trauma-informed practices to be embedded in the justice system.

Domestic Homicide Review Task Force

  • Model development: Led the development and implementation of a Domestic Homicide Review model in Scotland.

  • Multi-agency collaboration: Worked with various agencies to create, test, evaluate, and monitor the model.

  • Trauma-Informed approach: Ensured a person-centered, trauma-informed approach with effective monitoring and evaluation.

Campaigns and Public Statements

  • Public campaigns: Active participation in public campaigns.

  • Charity collaboration: Collaborated with various charities to enhance advocacy efforts.

  • Media leverage: Utilised media platforms to raise awareness and garner support.

Open Letter Advocacy

  • Co-Signed by families: An open letter co-signed by 65 bereaved family members.

  • Supported by organisations: Supported by 16 organisations, emphasising the additional trauma from media exposure.

  • Privacy for siblings: Advocated for the privacy rights of surviving siblings.

Support from External Partners

  • Coalition support: Broad support from various organisations.

  • Partnerships: Collaborations with Aberlour Children’s Charity, Action for Children, Scottish Women’s Aid, among others.

Lived Experience

  • Family reference groups: Involved families in reference groups for policy consultations.

  • Consultations on policies: Gathered input for policies, bills, and campaigns.

  • Co-creation of advocacy letters: Collaboratively created open letters and advocacy materials.

Our aim

Victim Support Scotland aims to align Scotland's practices with international standards, ensuring that families affected by tragic circumstances receive privacy and respect. We are continuing to engage with legislative bodies and collaborates with other organisations to effectively implement these protections. Through their ongoing efforts, VSS strives to uphold the dignity of victims and their families, advocating for their rights and supporting them throughout the justice process.