Meeting the needs of victims should be of paramount importance in the criminal justice system's response to crime.
To meet this aim, the Government is involved in the development of a number policies and is working with agencies in the criminal justice system to improve services for victims.
The Scottish Strategy for Victims was published in January 2001. The purpose of the Strategy is to ensure that all victims of crime will be able to get support and assistance at all stages of the criminal justice process and thereafter if needed.
There are three key objectives:
- Better access to information
- Increased support
- Greater participation in the criminal justice system
Two progress reports have been published.
The Government is committed to introducing a Victims and Witnesses Bill in this parliamentary session. The contents of the Bill will be influenced by responses to the consultation, dialogue with stakeholders and is also likely to transpose the requirements of the draft EU Directive which will replace the Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims in Criminal Proceedings (2001). The draft Directive proposes establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.