Rape victims will have access to transcripts

Renfrewshire victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases will be the first in the UK to have access to transcripts from their court cases free of charge.

The year-long pilot, commencing this week, will see those whose cases are heard in the High Court be eligible to apply for transcripts of what was said in hearings.

From March 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases without a fee.

SNP Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don welcomed the Scottish Government pilot.

Ms Don said:“I very much welcome this step from the Scottish Government which will help to ensure that we have a trauma-informed justice system, helping to support survivors of rape and serious sexual assaults.

“Many survivors in Scotland have shared their experiences of the court process, stating that it can be very traumatic and it can be difficult to take in what is said in court at the time. Being able to obtain transcripts, where they can go over exactly what was said in court in their own time, can help their recovery.

“For those in Renfrewshire North and West who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.

“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.

“The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’experience and increase confidence in the justice system. I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Renfrewshire North and West who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.”