Victims Taskforce to hold first meeting next month

Humza Yousaf

The Victims Taskforce will meet on 12 December for the first time.

Co-chaired by the Justice Secretary and Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, the taskforce will bring together senior decision-makers from justice agencies, the legal profession, academia and the voluntary sector, including direct representation of complainers and victims, including Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Angela Grahame QC.

Mr Yousaf said: “While the long-term fall in crime over the last decade means fewer people fall prey to criminals in Scotland, where anyone is a victim it is essential the justice system and wider public services provide the best possible support and advice to them and their loved-ones.

“As part of our work to further improve the experience of victims and witnesses through the justice system, we are investing £17.9 million this year through charities and other agencies working to support victims.

“I am pleased the taskforce will be gathering in a matter of weeks to begin its vital work. This work will be directly informed by victims’ experiences and will play a key role in the delivery of our commitments to ensure victims’ voices are heard throughout the justice system.”

The Lord Advocate said: “The provision of appropriate and meaningful support to the victims of crime is part of a modern criminal justice system. Prosecutors can only do their job of delivering justice if victims and witnesses are willing to come forward and give evidence.

“The Taskforce represents an opportunity to improve the experience of victims, to reassure them that the system will provide support and give them confidence to come forward, speak up and make sure their voices are heard.”