Today the Scottish Government announced plans for two restorative justice hubs, one national and one serving Edinburgh, Lothian and the Borders.

A spokesperson for Victim Support Scotland said: “We believe that Restorative Justice should be victim-centred and victim-led, and that any choice to participate in Restorative Justice should be the sole choice of the victim of crime.

“Any approaches to victims to participate in a Restorative Justice process should be a trauma informed process, with suitably trained professionals’ officials providing information to victims in order that truly informed consent can be given.

“We also believe that victims of crime should have access to independent support from a victim support organisation in order to be supported through the process, including the initial consent stages.”