New provisions of the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 came into effect from 1 September. These include extended powers in relation to special measures for vulnerable witnesses.
One of the key changes means that additional categories of vulnerable victims (victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, trafficking and stalking) and all witnesses under 18, will be entitled to certain special measures to allow them to give their best evidence at court. This will apply to proceedings commenced on or after 1 September 2015 (but not currently in the Justice of the Peace courts).
Working with colleagues in Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Police Scotland and Victim Support Scotland we have drawn up a revised joint protocol setting out how we will work together to support victims and witnesses during the proceedings.
View the Victims and Witnesses new joint protocol.
Victims and Witnesses