Trauma support framework published in wake of new bill
A new skills and knowledge aid to help justice agencies reduce the re-traumatisation of victims and witnesses of crime has been published by the Scottish Government.
The Trauma-Informed Justice: A Knowledge and Skills Framework underpins a key aim of the recently introduced Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, introduced last week, of embedding trauma-informed practice across the justice system, to support the recovery of victims and witnesses and enable the most effective evidence gathering.
Through recognising the impact of exposure to trauma, the potential for risk of re-traumatisation can be understood, identified and avoided where possible. Witnesses experience relationships with justice agencies that support their recovery, ability to give best evidence and engagement, with practices being adapted so that witnesses can participate fully and give their best evidence. Agencies' workforces are also supported in order to reduce the impact of vicarious trauma.
Examples include making each step of the process as transparent and understandable as possible, and offering witnesses choices throughout the justice process, for example on the gender of their interviewer, how they are communicated with by justice agencies and providing information on the support they can access.
The new approach, developed by NHS Education Scotland as part of an overall package with Government funding, will also provide organisations with the tools to develop and deliver training to their workforce.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance explained: "This framework will directly inform the changes within the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill, which was introduced last week, and would put victims and witnesses of crime at the heart of the justice system and ensure justice agencies reduce re-traumatisation.
"For the justice process to work effectively, and to encourage people to report crime, victims and witnesses need to know that the services they encounter are designed to support and help them – and that those who work within those services, listen to and respect their needs.
"We recognise that every contact an individual has with the justice system can have a significant impact. Evidence shows that how we are treated affects our feelings about and confidence in justice processes – and that these experiences are often as important as the conclusion of a case or dispute. This framework will make sure that at all levels of the justice system we have an effective, trauma-informed approach which supports people at their most vulnerable."
She thanked the victims, witnesses and their families who had shared in their experiences of the justice system to inform the development of the framework.
Dr Caroline Bruce, head of programme at NHS Education Scotland, added: "The most serious offences are often also those that are most traumatic for victims and witnesses. Without recognising the impact that such offences can have, the justice process itself risks unwittingly introducing further harm and trauma, and victims say they are less likely to come forward.
"This framework will help organisations develop training that will equip staff, no matter their role, with the knowledge and skills they need to recognise and respond effectively to the impact of trauma on witnesses. Trauma-informed justice is a win-win; for witnesses it will improve their experience of justice and their recovery, and for the justice process it will improve the quality of evidence witnesses are able to provide, and their willingness to come forward."