Victims minister Siobhian Brown visits Edinburgh Sheriff Court

The court familiarisation visit is one of the services VSS provides to anyone who is affected by crime in Scotland. The visits help prepare victims, complainers and witnesses of crime ahead of giving evidence or attending court by showing them around the room, demonstrating how special measures for vulnerable witnesses – such as witness screens and other protective measures work – and explaining who will be in the room and where.

The latest available data shows that 10,352 people contacted the charity’s free helpline with around 48,600 support sessions and other forms of assistance delivered by VSS in 2022-23.

Through the Victims’ Code for Scotland, everyone has a legal right to support if they are a complainer, victim or witness of crime, as do their family members.

Ms Brown said: “The Scottish government is committed to ensuring that victims affected by crime get all the support they need.

“It was a privilege to hear first-hand from people going through the criminal justice system about their experiences. Sitting in the witness box helps me as Minister for Victims to understand the emotional, psychological and physical impact of giving evidence.

“It is important that victims are made aware of, and understand, their rights and know how to access the range of support that is available. The Victims’ Code for Scotland sets out these rights and who to contact for help and advice.

“The Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act, introduced in 2014, built victims’ rights into legislation and the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill will further strengthen these rights.”