Expert victims’ group to meet for first time

An expert group established to improve victims’ experiences of the Scottish justice system is meeting for the first time later today.

Victims Taskforce will bring together representatives of justice agencies, the legal profession, academia and the voluntary sector to discuss improving the support, advice and information available to crime victims.

The panel will also hear directly from victims on their experiences of accessing justice.

Campaigner Lynn Burns, whose son Sam Johnston was murdered in 2013 in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, is one of the members of the group attending the first meeting.

Ms Burns, who has campaignedforgreatersupportfor victims, particularly bereaved families, said: “When our son Sam was murdered my family felt uninformed, unheard, isolated and alone.

“I know that many families have also felt this way.

“At times it felt like there was little clarity and transparency. It does not seem unreasonable 0 Humza Yousaf is chairing the Victims Taskforce

to be able to expect scrutiny or ask questions when you are in the most traumatic of situations.

“I am hopeful that the Victims Taskforce will address this and, by putting people at the centre of the system, treating them with care, compassion and kindness to help victims and families feel that their voices are being heard and acknowledged.”

The taskforce is being co-chaired by justice secretary Humza Yousaf and Scotland’s top prosecutor Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC.

The group of more than 20 members is expected to meet every quarter.