COURT SUPPORT BAN’S DEVASTATING IMPACT ON VICTIMS
Mairead Tagg, an expert in domestic violence, said the ban has left victims more vulnerable than ever before. She said: “Victims cannot be expected to give evidence in trials under these circumstances.
“Women need help, they need support and they need to have somebody they trust with them while they face their greatest terrors.
“It means that the odds are heavily stacked against the victim or witness before he or she begins to give evidenceWhen you give evidence, you’re automatically having your traumatic memories triggered.
“I’m a vociferous proponent for masks and social distancing but in this case, common humanity has to take precedence.”
Tagg said the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) should consider allowing victims to give evidence remotely.
She added: “Victims of violent crimes such as sexual assault or domestic abuse need support. Their safety needs to be of paramount concern. Failing that, victims should be able to give evidence remotely.
“Some women will be too terrified to speak or leave the court.”
Lynn Smillie, head of charity No Feart, who witnessed her dad kill her mum when she was 14, also hit out at the ban.
She said: “Many women hate the thought of court, feel that they’re unsupported or wouldn’t be believed. By not allowing them to have a support system, these thoughts are just being reiterated.”
Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said safety measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic have had an “immediate and devastating impact” on access to justice for survivors of domestic abuse. She added: “This is unacceptable”