Victims of crime in Scotland to learn more about offenders and their release from prison

Victims of crime are to learn more about their offenders – including their release from prison – through the introduction of a new contact team.

The move comes under proposed changes to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS), which already entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime.

A new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give “personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs”.

The Scottish Government said more information would be made known to victims about their offender or offenders, including information about their release.

Victim referrals to the team would be automatic for a “trauma-informed discussion” about their options for registering for the VNS and to explain their rights.

The proposed changes come in response to recommendations in the Independent Review of the Victim Notification Scheme.

The review heard from victims about their experiences of the justice system and the VNS – with views on how to manage the prison population also informing the Government’s response.

Victims minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put the needs of victims firmly at the heart of the Notification Scheme.

“By increasing the information available to victims, improving communication across justice agencies and making the system more accountable, we can ensure the scheme continues to be as effective and trusted as possible.

“We have already begun work to implement the Independent Review’s recommendations, including to create a Victim Contact Team to provide personalised support for victims.

“Each victim has different needs that deserve to be handled sensitively and victims will automatically be referred to the team, who will explain their rights and provide support.

“This is a priority for the Scottish Government and we will use the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill already progressing through Parliament to ensure the reforms are taken forward at pace.

“I am grateful to all those who shared their experiences during the Independent Review, particularly victims and their families.

“We will continue to listen to their voices as we continue strengthening support for them and progress these latest reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme.”

Legislation to create the contact team will be progressed through the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is continuing its passage through Parliament.

VNS Independent Review chair Alastair MacDonald and vice chair Fiona Young said: “The agreement to establish a Victim Contact Team to help victims understand what information they may receive and to get that information in a way that helps them is welcome.

“It is hoped that implementation of other recommendations will also be prioritised.”

Ann Fehilly, of domestic abuse court advocacy service ASSIST, said: “ASSIST has long advocated for the Victim Notification Scheme to be victim-centred, trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of victims.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s acceptance of almost all of the Review recommendations and look forward to working collaboratively with them to put into effect the plan.

“We are pleased that choice for victims is at the heart of the process, alongside a commitment to work with organisations which support victims to access the right information timeously.

“It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse are kept informed to ensure they are safe from further harm.”