Put crime victims first, asks charity

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May, Victim Support Scotland has launched its manifesto ‘Getting it right for victims of crime’.

It’s asking candidates from all parties to pledge to support the creation of a justice system that better serves everyone affected by crime in Scotland.

The manifesto by Victim Support Scotland - which has a base in Renfrewshire - has been shaped by the need to respond to the changing nature of crime, and using its 35 years’ worth of experience as Scotland’s leading support organisation for victims and their families.

As Scotland enters the recovery period following the Covid- 19 pandemic, and looks to address the huge backlog in courts, the manifesto sets out a number of asks to put victims at the heart of the justice system.

Lawyers in Paisley previously raised concerns that the “monumental” backlog of cases at Paisley Sheriff Court would take years to address.

The mental health of victims, witnesses and those accused of crimes, as well as staff dealing with “immense pressure”, will be new challenges for the court.

Kate Wallace, chief executive of the charity, said: “Scotland’s own victims and witnesses’ legislation clearly has its roots in human rights law. However, it has become clear that this is not enough and more needs to be done. “Victim Support Scotland’s manifesto, therefore, sets out a range of measures that have the potential to transform the justice system and victims’ rights in Scotland.”