People need to understand their legal rights

an easy-to-read Victims’Code is being launched to help vulnerable groups better understand their legal rights.

thousands of folk across Renfrewshire who are affected by communication difficulties will benefit from the new code to improve their experience of the justice system.

Chris Creegan, chief executive of the scottish Commission for Learning Disability, said:“It is a tragic reality that far too many people with learning disabilities are victims of crime.

“Information needs to be accessible and understandable if people with learning disabilities are to fully realise their rights as citizens when this happens.

“this is why we welcome the publication of this easy read version of the Victims’ Code for scotland, which should help people exercise choice and control over what happens to them, and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect by those working in our justice system.”

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf added: “anyone who has been a victim of crime should have confidence that they will receive the right support and advice through the criminal justice process and the Victims’Code aims to achieve this.

“We want the code to benefit as many people as possible and the new version has been tested by organisations that support individuals with communication difficulties to ensure it is accessible, helpful and easy to use.”