Victim Support Scotland – The NEN

Supporting vulnerable witnesses

Investment in specialist evidence suites to reduce trauma

More child and vulnerable adult witnesses involved in serious criminal trials will have access to specialist suites to pre-record evidence, away from the courtroom, following a further £2 million investment from the Scottish Government.

The funding means dedicated facilities – known as Evidence by Commissioner (EBC) suites – will be established in areas covered by two sheriffdoms which don’t currently have their own designated facilities.

The suites create safe, managed, trauma-informed environments where witnesses are supported to provide their best evidence as early as possible. Evidence shows that allowing children and vulnerable witnesses to pre-record evidence reduces stress and the risk of re-traumatisation.

The two new suites will cover the North Strathclyde and South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway Sheriffdoms.

They will add to the Scottish Court and Tribunal Service’s (SCTS) four existing bespoke EBC suites (located in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness), and a fifth one due to open in Dundee this summer – meaning there will be country-wide provision by April 2026.

The total investment from Government for the existing suites and the two new facilities being established is more than £4 million. Hundreds of children and vulnerable adult witnesses have already benefitted from using the suites and the additional funding means many more will get access to such facilities.

The Scottish Government is also providing a further £500,000 to Victim Support Scotland to develop access to their remote evidence suites in Edinburgh, increasing the support they already provide to victims and witnesses of crime in their suite in Glasgow.

Speaking on a visit to Victim Support Scotland’s remote evidence suite in Glasgow, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This significant investment in our court estate means that children and those who have been victims of some of the most traumatic crimes are supported to give their best evidence as early as possible in the process, and in advance of trial.

“Vulnerable witnesses across the country will have access to specialist, modern and purpose-built suites to pre-record their evidence, helping to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation. This, and other support available, will help victims and witnesses to start on the path to recovery at the earliest possible stage.

“Putting victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system is part of our Vision for Justice. The EBC suites, along with landmark reforms proposed in the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill, which Parliament is considering at Stage 1 this week, will build a trauma-informed justice system that victims and witnesses can have confidence in.”

Danielle McLaughlin, The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service’s Head of Implementation said: “The judicially led Evidence and Procedure Review, supported by the SCTS, made clear the importance of taking a new approach to ensuring children and vulnerable adult witnesses can give the best quality of evidence as early as possible, while minimising further trauma.

“Today’s announcement, confirming the next steps in the implementation of a statutory pre-recorded evidence presumption is a key step in ensuring that vision.

“An essential part in minimising trauma when giving evidence is by securing and using the best environment available. SCTS is committed to the further development and expansion of trauma informed evidence by commission facilities across a wider geographical reach.

“We welcome this additional £2 million funding which will help us to take the next initial steps to create additional commission facilities ensuring that we have at least one commission facility within the geographical reach of each sheriffdom.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, welcomed the extra £500,000 funding for its remote evidence facilities. She said: “We at Victim Support Scotland are entirely committed to supporting victims and witnesses to give their best evidence.

“Victims consistently tell us about the traumatic impact of giving evidence, including the anxiety of attending an often-intimidating court building. Being able to give evidence in a location different to the court, known as remote evidence, can help reduce this dramatically.

“This welcome funding from the Scottish Government will allow us to extend remote evidence suites to our new office facility in Edinburgh to complement the remote evidence suites at our Glasgow offices.

“We’re delighted to be able to embrace available technology to offer more choice and control to victims and witnesses.”

Eight organisations share Victim Surcharge Fund backing

Organisations that support victims of crime have been awarded a total of £405,451 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders who received a court fine.

Eight organisations – including Victim Support Scotland, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, Migrant Help, The Moira Fund, The Manda Centre, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTiS), Action Against Stalking and Dundee Women’s Aid – will share the funding to provide practical help directly to victims.

This is the fourth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which was established in November 2019, and takes the latest funding to £1,322,437.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many people.

“Since financial awards were first made in January 2021, 14 different victim support organisations have benefited from this fund – all of which have used the money to help people impacted by crime.

“It is only right that the people who commit crimes should pay towards helping those impacted to recover from the trauma and move on with their lives.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Funding to VSS Emergency Assistance Fund made it possible to reach more than 1,400 victims of crime and their families with awards last year totalling over £400,000.

“Too many people face financial hardship as a result of crime, and this funding allows us to cover the costs of essential items such as food vouchers, rent, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs.”

The following organisations are set to benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) £300,000

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid £11,750

Migrant Help £28,540

The Moira Fund £14,500

The Manda Centre £10,000

Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS) £20,661

Action Against Stalking £15,000

Dundee Women’s Aid £5,000

£500,000 more support for Scottish victims’ organisations

Organisations supporting victims and survivors of crime in Scotland will receive a £500,000 boost from a fund that takes money from offenders.

Seven organisations – including Victim Support Scotland and Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland – will share grant funding to provide practical help directly to victims.

This includes paying for emergency housing costs, meeting food, utility and clothing expenses, and helping with costs to repair or replace damaged property or goods and for mental health services such as counselling.

It is the third tranche of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund – which comes from the additional penalties imposed on offenders who receive a court fine – since its introduction in 2019.

To date, the Fund has helped more than 1,200 people affected by crime, with around £917,000 awarded – a clear sign of how the Scottish Government continues to prioritise victims.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “It is absolutely right that criminals should pay towards helping victims of crime as they recover from their experience.

“Over the past five years we have invested £93 million through our justice budget to put victims’ rights and needs at the centre of the criminal justice system, demonstrating our commitment to putting victims first.

“This latest funding we are awarding from the Victim Surcharge Fund will help people impacted by crime to access support when they need it most while enabling organisations such as Victim Support Scotland and Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland to provide even more help to victims and their families.”

Kate Wallace, CEO of Victim Support Scotland (VSS) said: “Confirmation of this funding means that VSS can continue this vital and life-changing support to people affected by crime and who have no other means of financial support.

“The cost-of-living crisis has meant that more people affected by crime are struggling to make ends meet. Funding from the Victim Surcharge Fund allows VSS to provide essential items such as food vouchers, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs, thereby meeting the needs of vulnerable victims immediately following a crime.

“Since April 2020, VSS Emergency Assistance Fund has provided £903,000 worth of goods to 3,143 people and their families, funded in part through the Victim Surcharge Fund. We accept applications directly from people affected by crime and have received referrals from over 200 support organisations.

The following organisations are set to benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in 202:3

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) – £440,000
Edinburgh Women’s Aid – £25,559
Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS) – £7,700
Central Advocacy Partners – £5,000
Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee & Angus – £10,000
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid – £10,000
Manda Centre – £5,000

HUSH: Breaking the Silence

Only two weeks to go until Victim Support Scotland’s #HUSH project launches at Many Studios in Glasgow!

A free multimedia exhibition which tells the stories of families who have been bereaved by crime in Scotland.

Click here to read more:

https://victimsupport.scot/hush-coming-soon/

Domestic Abuse: 7,500 people told of partner’s abusive past

More than 7,500 people have been told of a partner’s abusive past since the launch of a scheme six years ago to help tackle domestic abuse.

Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS) was launched in October 2015 following a successful trial in Ayrshire and Aberdeen, and since then has received over 13,000 requests to ask about the background of a partner.

Of the 13,334 requests received, 7,530 people (56 per cent) were told that their current partner has a violent or abusive past.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, Head of Public Protection, said: “Behind the numbers are people who have either escaped becoming victims of domestic abuse, or who are now aware of their partner’s abusive past.

“Abusers manipulate and control their victims. Abuse can be gradual and it can be very difficult for victims of domestic abuse to recognise their situation and to then take action to get themselves out of it.

“DSDAS provides that first step. It can help prevent domestic abuse and the long term damage it can cause victims, their families and their children.

“People told about a partner’s past have the right to choose the course of action they wish to take, and practical support and advice is available from our partners.

“The scheme exists not just for those who may be at risk but for their friends or families to use too.

“Each year reports of domestic abuse increase over the festive period. This year we are acutely aware of the impact of the pandemic on victims locked in with the person responsible for their abuse.

“So this festive season we are appealing to friends, family, colleagues and neighbours or anyone who sees something to call it out if they are concerned that someone may be a victim of domestic abuse. Get in touch with us and we will make sure that person is ok and we will investigate the circumstances.

“All it takes is one person to alert us and we can help end the threat and harm caused by domestic abuse.”

Dr. Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Aid said: “Survivors of domestic abuse face so many barriers to seeking support, and for loved ones it can be challenging finding the best way to support them safely.

“Providing a tool like the disclosure scheme that can inform survivors or their loved ones of previous abusive behaviour, could help in preventing harm to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. If you are worried about someone you know, we want to remind you that our helpline is available 24/7 for confidential advice.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, comments: “We fully support Police Scotland’s campaign, and hope this encourages people who have experienced domestic abuse to realise that they are not alone.

“With reports of domestic abuse increasing in Scotland, it is important to recognise the long-term trauma that domestic abuse can cause.

“Almost 90% of domestic abuse victims experience financial and coercive control. Our Victims’ Fund has helped hundreds of people in these situations purchase, for example, security systems, furniture for temporary housing, and household essentials. For many this is providing a lifeline.

“Victim Support Scotland provides confidential and emotional support to help empower anyone who may find themselves a victim of domestic abuse, going some way to give people the confidence to take back control of their lives.”

If you, or anyone you know, are being abused or are at risk of abuse, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Or if you need support please contact Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234, where support is available 24/7.

Our domestic abuse campaign will run across various social media platforms until the end of January 2022.

Victim Surcharge Fund reopens for applications

Criminals pay towards helping victims

A fund which helps provide practical help to victims of crime has reopened for applications. Open to any organisation that supports victims of crime, the Victim Surcharge Fund is used to provide direct, practical help to victims.

Help such as meeting household repair costs that have arisen due to crime, or food, utility or clothing expenses for those escaping domestic abuse can be met with help from the Fund.

The Fund – which operates through a scheme which takes cash from criminals – has £165,000 available in this round.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “It is absolutely right that criminals should pay towards helping victims of crime as they recover from their experience.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund demonstrates a key commitment to putting victims first with key organisations being awarded vital funding to support victims.

“I encourage victim support organisations to apply to the Fund so that victims can continue to access the support and help that they need.”

CEO of Victim Support Scotland, Kate Wallace said: “For many people that have come through crime, having access to funds when they need it most can be life changing.

“Covering costs for emergency accommodation, food and clothing are just some of the ways that funding can be used. The Victim Surcharge Fund has enabled us to reach even more victims who are facing financial adversity through no fault of their own.”

From November 2019, anyone committing a crime that results in a court fine is charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. This cash from criminals accumulates in the Victim Surcharge Fund.

Following the first round of funding, five organisations that support victims of crime shared £157,000 earlier this year.

Victims organisations interested in applying to the Fund can request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and should apply by the 14 January 2022 deadline.

RoSPA alarmed by rise in cyclist and child road deaths

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is deeply concerned that latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an increase in the number of fatal collisions involving cyclists and children, despite an overall reduction in the number of road deaths following a year of lockdowns.

The DfT published the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2020 which shows that last year 1,460 people were killed on our roads, which is a fall of 17 per cent compared with the figure in 2019.

In 2020, there were a total of 115,584 reported road casualties of all severities, which was a fall of 25 per cent from the previous year. For much of 2020, there was a COVID lockdown and the RAC estimated that miles travelled in Great Britain were 21 per cent down on the previous year.

Alarmingly, data from the DfT shows that in 2020, 141 cyclists were killed in road accidents. This was up 41 per cent from 100 deaths in the previous year. The number of children killed on Britain’s roads also increased, from 49 in 2019 to 52 in 2020.

David Walker, Head of Road and Leisure Safety at RoSPA said: “By any measure 2020 was an abnormal year. It is of no surprise that the overall number of road casualties fell. This is in no small part due to less traffic on the roads.

“With traffic levels returning to pre-pandemic levels and some understandable reluctance towards using public transport, we must today continue to focus on the harm to motorists and more significantly, from motorists.

“We welcome the fact that more people have been getting out on their bikes and recognise the reduction in the rate of deaths per mile travelled. However, this should not distract from the shocking fact that more cyclists and more children died on our roads than in the previous year.

“At RoSPA we believe that having more cyclists and pedestrians should not result in an increased number of serious and fatal accidents involving vulnerable road users.

“We must continue to act decisively if we want to maintain the position of British roads being among the safest in the world.”

With travel restrictions in place throughout 2020, there was a huge increase in the number of people electing to use active travel such as walking and cycling.

According to the DfT‘s Road Traffic Estimates in Great Britain 2020, pedal cycle traffic was up by 45.7 per cent from the previous year.

Support for bereaved families: funding for new homicide service

A new service led by Victim Support Scotland (VSS) will provide free, practical and emotional support to victims of crime across the country. The charity has been awarded £13.8 million over three years, part of which will provide for a new homicide service giving families of murder victims access to a dedicated case worker and continuous support. Continue reading Support for bereaved families: funding for new homicide service