The Scottish Government is committed to supporting victims and witnesses by:
- Improving both the emotional and practical support given to victims and the information provided to them as well as encouraging their greater participation in the criminal justice system
- Increasing support and improving standards of treatment for witnesses to help them participate in criminal, civil and children's hearing legal proceedings and give their best evidence.
- Ensuring that child witnesses are supported and protected at all stages of the legal process
They have made a committment to bring forward a Victims and Witnesses Bill to improve the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system during this Parliament. Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses, Victims and Witnesses Bill - A Consultation Paper was published on 22 May with a closing date of 20 July 2012