Victims’ fund boosted amid crime rise fears
The Scottish Government is to boost a fund for victims due to fears for vulnerable people and a rise in crime during the pandemic.
The £100,000 fund will be administered by Victim Support Scotland.
The charity already provides financial support of £30,000 a year through the Scottish Government-backed victims’ fund.
That will be topped up, allowing victims, including those supported by other organisations, to get assistance worth up to £3,000.
The cash was made available after victims’ organisations raised fears for vulnerable people during the outbreak.
One victims’ charity is predicting a rise in crime including fraud, cybercrime, stalking and domestic, child and elderly abuse.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said that the impact of crime on victims can be be long-lasting, “even before we consider the understandable anxiety that they will be feeling, along with most of us, about the coronavirus outbreak”.
The money will fund food vouchers, help with utility bills and assistance for domestic abuse victims who may have to urgently leave their homes.
It can also be used to contribute to insurance excesses, improved home security and replacement windows, doors and furniture for victims.
Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “We expect certain crime types to rise, such as fraud, cybercrime, stalking and domestic, child and elderly abuse. The fund will allow us to be adaptive and responsive to victims’ needs.”