Wilful fire-raising is when someone deliberately sets fire to someone else’s property to damage it or to injure people. It is similar to arson in English and Welsh law.

If you’ve been affected by wilful fire-raising, there are some things you can do to help prevent further attacks:

  • Keep a record of all events that you think are related to the fire-raising attack or any subsequent criminal damage or harassment. Write down as much detail as possible, including the date and time of incidents.
  • If you can, try to take photos or videos of the damage which can be used as evidence. Be careful and make sure you don’t put yourself at risk, especially if it is currently taking place – some offenders could react violently to being photographed or filmed.
  • Try to repair any damage as quickly as possible. Vandalised property can attract people who might cause more damage.
  • You may want to look at install or upgrade an existing home security system. Contact us and we might be able to help you arrange that.

Following an act of wilful fire-raising, you may experience some or all of these emotions:

  • A fear of leaving the house
  • Feeling unsafe
  • Flashbacks to the incident
  • Nightmares
  • A sense of being overwhelmed
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Financial loss

It is a normal reaction to a crime to have some or all of these emotions and sometimes this can affect your ability to carry out your normal daily tasks.

Crime can impact you in many ways – emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and practically. That’s why Victim Support Scotland is here to help.

Our support workers and volunteers are available to you in person, over the phone and in the courts throughout Scotland. We support you no matter who you are, and no matter what the crime.

The criminal justice system can be confusing, and we can provide you with practical advice and information to make this process easier. We promise you:

  • We will take the time to listen to you
  • We won’t judge you
  • We will provide you with support in whatever way best suits you
  • We will explain your rights in a way you can understand

Our trained and experienced volunteers deliver support throughout Scotland. There is a Victim Support office in every local authority area and we can support you going to court or in your own community (at home or in our offices).

You can access our services regardless of whether you have reported the crime or not to the police. Our services are free, independent and confidential.*

*We will only alert someone else if we feel you are at risk to yourself or to others.