What is the Bill?

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the rights and support for victims and witnesses within the Scottish criminal justice system. This bill seeks to address gaps in the current system, ensuring that people affected by crime receive the necessary support, information, and protections throughout the legal process.

Why is it important?

The bill is significant because it focuses on:

  1. Strengthening victims' rights: It aims to build on existing legislation, such as the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014, by further embedding victims' rights into the justice system.

  2. Improving support services: The bill emphasises the need for comprehensive support services for victims and witnesses, acknowledging the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of crime.

  3. Enhancing communication: Improved communication and information dissemination to victims and witnesses are key components, addressing issues such as updates on case progress and understanding of legal procedures.

  4. Trauma-informed approaches: The bill promotes trauma-informed support, ensuring that the justice system and associated services are sensitive to the needs of those affected by crime.

VSS involvement

Victim Support Scotland has been actively involved in shaping and supporting the bill through various initiatives:

  1. Advocacy and feedback: We have been gathering feedback from victims and witnesses to inform the bill's development. This includes insights into their experiences and needs within the criminal justice system.

  2. Partnerships and campaigns: We work closely with other organisations , forums including VOCFS, and the Scottish Government to advocate for the rights and support of victims.

  3. Policy Contributions: We participated in the Victims Taskforce, which brings together leaders from criminal justice agencies to improve support and information for victims. Their input has been crucial in identifying key areas for legislative improvement.

Current stage

As of the latest updates, the bill has progressed to significant stages within the Scottish Parliament:

  • Stage 1 debate: This initial debate allowed members of the Criminal Justice Committee to discuss the bill's provisions and consider the views and needs of victims.

  • Ongoing advocacy: VSS continues to urge MSPs to prioritise victim support in their deliberations, ensuring that the final legislation robustly addresses the gaps identified in the current system.

How VSS supports the Bill

Victim Support Scotland is committed to ensuring the bill achieves its intended outcomes by:

  • Providing detailed briefings: VSS has prepared and shared briefings with MSPs to inform debates and decision-making processes.

  • Raising public awareness: Through campaigns and public statements, VSS is working to ensure that the general public understands the bill's importance and the rights of victims and witnesses.

  • Continuous feedback mechanisms: By maintaining open channels for feedback from those affected by crime, VSS ensures that the evolving needs and experiences of victims are reflected in the legislative process.