‘Victims of crime are left suicidal as perpetrators roam the streets’

The suspension of jury trials at Paisley Sheriff Court is causing untold distress to victims of crime, a leading charity has said.

Victim Support Scotland says the court’s reduced operations as a result of the current pandemic is having a devastating effect on victims’ mental health.

The organisation, which has an office in Paisley’s School Wynd, says Renfrewshire people have felt suicidal as the criminals who have abused and beaten them are - in some cases - still roaming the streets.

In Renfrewshire the charity is currently supporting an increasing number of young people being coerced with sexual images, women and families experiencing domestic abuse and people terrified because their abusers are flouting Nonharassment orders.

The trauma of waiting to see these perpetrators brought to justice at Paisley Sheriff Court and others has seen Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, write to the Scottish Government’s Justice Committee.

The victims advocate has called on MSPs to look at innovative ways to resume judicial matters while preventing the spread of Covid-19.

“We know all too well how waiting for criminal proceedings to be brought forward for serious crimes can be profoundly challenging and traumatic for victims,” she said.

“It is hugely concerning that we at Victim Support Scotland have witnessed a large increase in the number of our service users saying that they are feeling suicidal, due in part to the situation with coronavirus.

“Feelings of isolation are compounding an already difficult situation for some victims resulting in self-harm.

“Over the last month, there has been a number of incidents where our staff and volunteers have provided critical support to someone on the verge of taking their own life.

“By reaching out to them and linking in with other support agencies, we have helped develop a support package that suits their individual needs.”

In Paisley victims of crime are continuing to be supported while the office remains closed as staff and volunteers continue to offer guidance and counselling by video conference, phone, text and web chat.

Ms Wallace, who sent her letter to the Scottish Government during Mental Health Awareness Week, added: “Victim Support Scotland wants assurances for victims that proceedings in serious crime cases are concluded as early as possible to avoid further traumatisation for vulnerable victims and their families.

“I press upon members of the Justice Committee to ensure that decisions on the resumption of jury trials respect both the rights of the accused and victims during this global pandemic.

“To not consider these issues in full, runs the risk of further trauma to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable victims and witnesses.”

Victim Support’s fre helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm on 0800 160 1985.

Volunteers have provided critical support to someone on the verge of taking their own life