Needs of crime victims to be ‘at the heart’ of planned reforms, minister vows

Planned reforms will put crime victims’ needs “firmly at the heart” of the victim notification scheme, the Scottish Government has said.

Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of reforms to the scheme, which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime.

Under proposed changes, a victim contact team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.

They will automatically be referred to the team for a trauma-informed discussion about their options for registering for the scheme and for an explanation of their rights.

The amount of information available to them about the offender(s), which includes information about their release, will also be expanded.

The Scottish Government plans to introduce the reforms as part of its response to recommendations in the independent review of the victim notification scheme, which heard directly from victims about their experiences of the justice system and the scheme.

Victims minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put the needs of victims firmly at the heart of the notification scheme.

“We have already begun work to implement the independent review’s recommendations, including to create a victim contact team to provide personalised support for victims. Each victim has different needs that deserve to be handled sensitively and victims will automatically be referred to the team, who will explain their rights and provide support.

“This is a priority for the Scottish Government and we will use the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill already progressing through Parliament to ensure the reforms are taken forward at pace.

“I am grateful to all those who shared their experiences during the independent review, particularly victims and their families. We will continue to listen to their voices as we continue strengthening support for them and progress these latest reforms to the victim notification scheme.”

The Scottish Government has agreed the majority of the review’s recommendations, including the central proposal of creating a victim contact team, with plans developed following discussions with justice and victim support organisations.

Legislation to underpin the creation of the contact team will be progressed through the Bill.

Review chairman Alastair MacDonald and vice-chairwoman Fiona Young said: “The agreement to establish a victim contact team to help victims understand what information they may receive and to get that information in a way that helps them is welcome.

“It is hoped that implementation of other recommendations will also be prioritised.”

Ann Fehilly, of domestic abuse court advocacy service Assist, said: “We are pleased that choice for victims is at the heart of the process, alongside a commitment to work with organisations which support victims to access the right information timeously.

“It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse are kept informed to ensure they are safe from further harm.”