Fund will give victims of crime a ‘louder voice’

Airdrie’s MSP Neil Gray has welcomed the launch of a new, streamlined fund, worth at least £30 million over the next three years, to better help victims of crime.

The new Victim Centred Approach Fund will simplify funding for organisations into one easy-to-access place, providing support for victims across Scotland.

It will help support specialist services for those bereaved by crime in Scotland or abroad, provide court advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence, fund support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and enable better long-term outcomes for victims including improved mental and physical health.

It will also enable more organisations who support victims to apply for funding and encourage the development of new projects and approaches.

The fund will open for applications from third sector organisations, community interest companies and public sector bodies, including local authorities.

Organisations considering applying to the fund are able to register their interest now.

Mr Gray said: “I am extremely pleased that the Scottish Government has continued its pledge to put victims at the heart of the justice system.

“This new streamlined fund will provide joinedup, accessible support to all victims regardless of where they live in Scotland.

“I work closely with the Women’s Aid groups in and around Airdrie and Shotts and this fund will help their users immensely.

“Coupling this fund with the newly announced post of Victims’ Commissioner, people in Scotland who have suffered by the crimes of others will now have the chance to have a louder voice.”

Extremely pleased Mr Gray says the fund will “provide joined-up, accessible support to all victims”