New measures to support victims and witnesses

New measures to support victims and witnesses will “put their interests at the heart of improvements to the justice system” the Scottish government has said.

The latest package of measures to be implemented from the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 came into force on September 1 and is intended to improve support for vulnerable witnesses.

The automatic eligibility for certain support measures, like giving evidence via video link, is being extended to all those aged under 18 and alleged victims of sexual offences, domestic abuse, human trafficking and stalking.

A new category of vulnerability has been created for people likely to suffer significant risk of harm as a result of giving evidence.

Other measures being introduced include the option of making a closed court available as a special measure for vulnerable witnesses.

The age at which press reporting restrictions apply for any child concerned in criminal proceedings, whether as a victim, witness or accused, is also increasing from under 16 to under 18.

The government also intends to extend the availability of special measures to the Justice of the Peace courts later this year, subject to parliamentary approval, ensuring such measures are available throughout the court system.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “These changes ensure that those who are vulnerable are offered the right support to give them the confidence to fulfil their public duty and know their voices will be heard.

“Providing help and support for victims and witnesses is key to building an even stronger criminal justice system in Scotland.

“We have worked closely with victim support organisations and criminal justice agencies throughout the legislative process and in planning for implementation, and the measures in this Act have been widely welcomed.”

The act is being implemented in stages and a number of measures are already in force: