Information for Victims of Crime

The second pillar of the strategy:

Provision of information to victims

We recognise that victims need access to general information about court procedures, as well as information about their own case.

Information about the progress of specific cases through the court, and their outcomes is already available on request from the clerk of the court in which the case is being dealt with. Human rights, Data Protection, and Rehabilitation of Offenders legislation, all influence what case specific information can be provided, and we will develop and provide to Scottish Court Service staff, guidance on the implications of this legislation and on the issue of confidentiality by Autumn 2001.

On the day on which a case goes to trial, we aim to keep witnesses informed of the progress of the trial, no less than at two hourly intervals. We recognise, however, that this can seem a lengthy interval to those who are waiting, and we will review this policy by Autumn 2001.

General advice on what to expect when attending a criminal court is available on the Scottish Courts website, and through the Government portal UK Online (www.ukonline.gov.uk). General information about court procedures is also available from court staff, and through a range of leaflets produced by the Scottish Court Service. There is, however, no leaflet produced by the Scottish Court Service aimed specifically at the needs of victims, and we intend to rectify this.

By Spring 2002 we will publish a leaflet - the Scottish Court Service Standard of Service for Victims - which will include:

  • Details of the Scottish Court Service remit
  • Procedures for obtaining information
  • Procedures for expressing concerns
  • Details of sources of support
  • Provisions for victims and witnesses attending court
  • Provisions for victims who are especially vulnerable, including : children, the elderly, those who do not speak English as their first language, those with sensory or mobility impairments, those with learning difficulties, mental illness, acquired brain injury or suffering from dementia, those who have been subject to racism, those who have been subject to homophobic attacks, those who have experienced anti social behaviour, and those who have experienced domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault, harassment or stalking
  • Procedures for identifying victims who have fears about safety and / or are in need of protection, and procedures for ensuring that their needs are met
  • Details of provisions for giving evidence via CCTV link

This information will be provided in a form which is appropriate and accessible.

Interpretation services are already available in the offices of the Supreme Courts and Sheriff Courts through the Language Line and Typetalk facilities.

By the end of 2001 we will review the other leaflets provided by the Scottish Court Service to ensure that they are appropriate, informative, easy to read, meet the needs of our customers, and are awarded the Plain Language Commission accreditation.