Victim Support Scotland reacts to latest murder and culpable homicide statistics

The Scottish Government has today (Wednesday 28 October) released the latest statistics on crimes of murder and culpable homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2019-20.

Between 2018-19 and 2019-20, the number of homicide cases recorded by the police in Scotland increased by 3% (or two cases) from 62 to 64. This remains one of the lowest number of recorded homicide cases for a single twelve month period since 1976.

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, comments:

“Despite the fact we are seeing relative stability in the statistics overall, when it comes to murder and culpable homicide, we must not lose sight of the real life and devasting impact that such crimes have on families through Scotland.

“Our support for Support for Families Bereaved by Crime service launched in April 2019 as the first specialist service providing a nationally consistent, reliable service for all families bereaved by crime. We have provided assistance to 117 people in our first year, through practical guidance on the criminal justice process and emotional support.

“During the pandemic we have seen families in dire situations, due in part to the backlog of trials going ahead, and also families that are in destitution, sometimes being unable to pay for funeral costs. Victim Support Scotland has therefore decided to increase the amount of money available through the Victims’ Fund, which provides financial assistance to people affected by crime when they need it most. We must do all that we can to support victims of crime at this time.”