New move to support victims

A move to improving forensic services for survivors of rape and sexual assault has been launched.

A new 12 week consultation into boosting care and assistance for those affected is seeking views from health and justice organisations, medical professionals, the third sector and survivors.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Improving healthcare services for victims of rape and sexual assault is a priority for the Scottish Government and we are committed to ensuring strategic leadership to help deliver that.

“We are clear everyone who needs it should have access to a forensic medical examination, wider healthcare interventions and support, whether or not they have reported the crime.”

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, added: “This consultation is an important step in improving services for anyone in Scotland who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

“The response someone receives immediately following a rape or sexual assault can make a huge difference - this consultation makes it crystal clear that our response needs to be trauma informed and based on what someone needs at that time.

“This should make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Whether to report to the police can sometimes be a difficult decision to make immediately following a rape or sexual assault.

The consultation runs until May 8.

For more information visit https://consult.gov.scot/