Further support for vulnerable witnesses now in force

Further measures to support vulnerable witnesses in Scotland have come into force.

Under the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014, the automatic eligibility for certain support measures, like giving evidence via video link, has been extended to all those aged under 18, and alleged victims of sexual offences, domestic abuse, human trafficking and stalking.

A new category of vulnerability has also been created, of people likely to suffer significant risk of harm as a result of giving evidence.

A further protection introduced is the option of making a closed court available as a special measure for vulnerable witnesses. The age at which press reporting restrictions apply for any child concerned in criminal proceedings, whether as a complainer, witness or accused, has also increased from those under 16 to those under 18.Ministers intend to extend the availability of special measures to the justice of the peace courts later this year, subject to parliamentary approval, thus making these measures available throughout the court system.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, said: “We have worked closely with victim support organisations and criminal justice agencies throughout the legislative process and in planning for implementation, and the measures in this Act have been widely welcomed.”

Provisions already in force under the Act include a right for alleged victims of sexual offences, domestic abuse, human trafficking and stalking to specify the gender of their police interviewer
; a right for victims and witnesses to access information about the progress of their case
; and the publication of standards of service for victims and witnesses so they know what to expect from criminal justice agencies.