Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland said: “The trauma-informed framework has been directly developed following discussions at the Scottish Government’s Victims’ Taskforce. Driven by the lived experience of people who have been affected by crime, the framework has been rightly recognised as a key priority to improve victims’ experiences of the Criminal Justice System.

“Many victims tell us that giving evidence and experience of the criminal justice system can be as traumatising as the crime itself. The implementation of a trauma-informed framework throughout the justice system can make a huge difference for many when giving evidence in court.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government and others to ensure victims, witnesses and their families are treated with respect and compassion at every stage of the justice system.”