Victims and witnesses
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Police complaints, investigations and misconduct: analysis of consultation on legislation
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation on legislative proposals relating to police complaints, investigations and misconduct which ran from 24 May to 16 August 2022.
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Police complaints, investigations and misconduct - legislation proposals: consultation analysis summary
Summary of key findings from the analysis of responses to the public consultation on legislative proposals relating to police complaints, investigations and misconduct which ran from 24 May to 16 August 2022.
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Cabinet Secretary calls for public to report domestic abuse incidents
Reported figures just ‘tip of the iceberg’.
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Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2021-22
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland in 2021 to 2022.
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Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2021-22
An Official Statistics publication for Scotland
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HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2021 to 2022
The annual report for HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland for 2021 to 2022.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland: year ending September 2022
Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland in the year ending September 2022, split by crime or offence group and by local authority.
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: position statement
This position statement sets out the action we've taken in devolved areas to implement the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
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Scotland, the best place to grow up – making it real through rights: easy read
Child-friendly version of the report setting out progress made in children's rights in Scotland since 2016.
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Embedding children's rights: position statement
The report sets out the progress made in relation to children's rights in Scotland since 2016.
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Child's Interview Right's Practitioner regulations: data protection impact assessment
Data protection impact assessment (DPIA) relating to the Child's Interview Right's Practitioner (ChIRPs) and the age of criminal responsibility.
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Child's Interview Right's Practitioner regulations: island communities impact assessment
Island Communities impact assessment (ICIA) relating to the Child's Interview Right's Practitioner (ChIRPs) and the age of criminal responsibility.
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Homicide in Scotland 2021-22
Statistical bulletin on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2021-2022.
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Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 - sections 274 and 275: inspection of COPFS practice
An inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland of COPFS practice in relation to sections 274 and 275 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
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Universal Periodic Review 2022: Scottish Government Position Statement
This position statement sets out the action we've taken in devolved areas since 2017 to respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights of everyone in Scotland.
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Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices: report and recommendations
This report is the result of the work of the Expert Advisory group on Ending Conversion Practices and informs the Scottish Government on the measures which should be considered in order to end conversion practices in Scotland which aim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices report: Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government welcomes the Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices report. We will carefully consider the recommendations as we take forward this work ensuring that we deliver real and lasting change for survivors or those at risk of experiencing these practices in Scotland.
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Conversion practices - LGBT+ people of colour and minority ethnic faith experiences: research report
Members of the Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices conducted further research to understand more about conversion practices in minority ethnic faith communities and communities of colour and the impact of measures to end conversion practices on them.
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Creating Hope Together - suicide prevention strategy and action plan: equalities impact assessment
Equalities impact assessment (EQIA)for Scotland's suicide prevention strategy and action plan.
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Creating Hope Together - suicide prevention strategy and action plan: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for Scotland's suicide prevention strategy and action plan.
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Creating Hope Together - suicide prevention strategy 2022 to 2032: easy read
Easy read version of Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy - Creating Hope Together - 2022 to 2025.
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Creating Hope Together - suicide prevention action plan 2022 to 2025: easy read
Easy read version of Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan - Creating Hope Together - 2022-2025.
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Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention action plan 2022 to 2025
Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan covering the period from 2022 to 2025.
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Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention strategy 2022 to 2032
Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy covering the period from 2022 to 2032.
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Crime drops
People feel safer in communities.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending June 2022
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Victim Surcharge Fund: annual report 2021-2022
A report on those payments made into and out of the Victim Surcharge Fund, the recipient organisations, the administration costs and balance of the fund for the period 01 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.
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New custodial unit for women
Visionary centre will transform support for women in custody.
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Parole Board (Scotland) Rules 2001 changes: consultation
Consultation on modernising the 2001 rules to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Additionally there is a need to consider some new rules for certain procedures.
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Suicide prevention strategy and action plan drafts: consultation
Consultation on drafts of a new suicide prevention strategy and action plan for Scotland.
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National Strategy for Community Justice launched
Reducing reoffending will lead to fewer victims.
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Making the justice system better for victims: consultation - easy read
Easy read summary of proposals in our consultation on improving victims' experiences of the justice system.
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Scottish Prison Population Statistics 2020-21
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland 23 June 2022.
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Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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HM Inspectorate of Prosecution: strategic plan 2022 to 2025
Strategic plan for HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland covering the period 2022 to 2025.
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Equally Safe - short life delivery plan: summer 2022 to autumn 2023
A refresh of the Equally Safe Delivery Plan outlining the joint commitment of the Scottish Government and COSLA to preventing and eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls and tackling the underpinning attitudes that perpetuate it.
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Restorative justice launch
New national hubs pave way.
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Police complaints, investigations and misconduct - legislation: consultation
The aim of the consultation is to seek views on legislative proposals with a view to delivering new laws that improve transparency and further strengthen public confidence in policing following Dame Elish Angiolini's review into Police Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct issues.
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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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Improving victims' experiences of the justice system: consultation
The consultation seeks views on potential reforms to empower and protect victims of crime, with particular reference to sexual offences. It takes forward the work of the Victims Taskforce and recommendations from Lady Dorrian’s Review which do, or may, require a legislative underpinning.
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Bail supervision: national guidance
This document provides revised guidance for the operation of bail supervision setting out standards and expectations to support the consistent delivery of the service across Scotland.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- March 2022
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during March 2022.
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National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 - Child Migrant Trust amendments: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for disregarding any payment from the Child Migrant Trust, in relation to the financial assessment for living in a care home in Scotland.
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National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 - Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board (Northern Ireland) amendments: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for disregarding any payment from the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board (Northern Ireland), in relation to the financial assessment for living in a care home in Scotland.
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National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 - Troubles related incident Victims' Payment Scheme (Northern Ireland) amendments: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for disregarding any payment from the Troubles related incident Victims’ Payment Scheme (Northern Ireland), in relation to the financial assessment for living in a care home in Scotland.
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National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 - Infected Blood Financial Support Payment Schemes in the UK amendments: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for disregarding any payment from the Infected Blood Financial Support Payment Schemes in the UK, in relation to the financial assessment for living in a care home in Scotland.
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£3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives
Bail supervision and assessment support.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- February 2022
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during February 2022.
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Victims will benefit from key support
£48m funding underlines government commitment.
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Joint review of diversion from prosecution – Terms of reference
Joint Review of Diversion from Prosecution - Terms of Reference
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Recorded crime and police activity statistics consultation: summary of responses
Summarises the responses to the consultation on the future of recorded crime and police activity statistics. It also outlines a package of changes to the production of Scotland’s recorded crime statistics.
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Offensive Weapons Act 2019: Scottish statutory guidance
This guidance covers provisions in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 that extend only to Scotland and others which apply throughout the UK but which have a different effect in Scotland to other parts of the UK.
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Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland
Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.
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Misogyny – A Human Rights Issue
The Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice's independent report on their findings and recommendations.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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Bairns' Hoose: project plan
This project plan sets out the steps we will take to meet our Programme for Government Commitment which aims to ensure that all eligible children in Scotland will have access to a ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ by 2025.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Justice Analytical Services data report: January 2022
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during January 2022.
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Serious Organised Crime strategy
The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Strategy seeks to close the potential gap between intelligence and tasking through the better use of threat assessments and aims to reduce the harm caused by serious organised crime by ensuring that all partner bodies work together.
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National guidance for child protection in Scotland 2021
This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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The Vision for Justice in Scotland
We set out our transformative vision of the future justice system for Scotland, spanning the full journey of criminal, civil and administrative justice, with a focus on creating safer communities and shifting societal attitudes and circumstances which perpetuate crime and harm.
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Criminal justice social work statistics: 2020-21
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021: child rights and welfare impact assessment
This is an update of the Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA), which was published in 2019 to accompany the introduction of the Bill for the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021 (the “FMS Act”).
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021: equality impact assessment
This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) supplements the summary originally published for the introduction of the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill in November 2019.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021: island communities impact assessment
This is an updated version of the Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) which was published in 2019 to accompany the introduction of the Bill for the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021 (the “FMS Act”).
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Trafficking and exploitation strategy: fourth annual progress report - 2020 to 2021
Report setting out progress implementing the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy from 2020 to 2021.
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Inspection of COPFS practice in relation to sections 274 and 275 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 – terms of reference
Terms of reference for HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's inspection of COPFS practice in relation to sections 274 and 275 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
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Tackling prejudice and building connected communities action plan: implementation overview
A report providing an overview of implementation of the actions set out in the Tackling Prejudice and Building Connected Communities Action Plan.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - November 2021
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during November 2021. Data has been gathered from a number of different sources and may be subject to future revision.
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The not proven verdict and related reforms: consultation
This consultation seeks views on the three verdict system in Scottish criminal trials and if the not proven verdict were to be abolished, whether any accompanying reforms would be necessary to other aspects of the criminal justice system.
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Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland: October 2021
Official Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland for October 2021.
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Use of bail and remand consultation launches
Victim safety at the heart of proposed changes to the use of custody.
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Bail and release from custody arrangements: consultation
Consultation on the use of remand and arrangements around release from custody - two areas which we consider have the potential to contribute to a shift in how prison and imprisonment is used in a modern Scotland.
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HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland: annual report 2020 to 2021
The annual report of HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland for the year 2020 to 2021.
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Homicide in Scotland 2020-2021: statistics
Statistical bulletin on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2020-2021.
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New victim support fund announced
Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.
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Victim Surcharge Fund: initial report 2019 to 2021
A report on those payments made into and out of the Victim Surcharge Fund, the recipient organisations, the administration costs and balance of the Fund for the period 25 November 2019 to 31 March 2021.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - August 2021
Monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and Scottish Prison Service.
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Recorded crime remains at low levels
Crimes in four key areas down in the past year.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland: August 2021
Official Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland for August 2021.
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Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
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National guidance for child protection committees undertaking learning reviews
Guidance to support child protection committees to reflect, learn and improve child protection systems and practice when a child or young person dies, is significantly harmed, or was at risk of death or significant harm or where effective practice has prevented harm or risk of harm.
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National guidance for child protection 2021: consultation report
This report shows the results of the public consultation on the revised national guidance for child protection in Scotland, and our response to the results.
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Restitution orders for victims of assaults on police: Restitution Fund operational guidance
Restitution Orders came into force on 10 February 2021. These Orders are a new financial penalty available to the courts for those convicted of assault on police, under section 90 of the Police and Fire Reform Act 2012. Monies received will provide support services for victims of police assault.
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£6.7 million support for legal aid firms
Vital backing to help with COVID recovery.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - June 2021
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during June 2021.
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Widening the scope of the current victim statement scheme: consultation analysis
This report provides an analysis of responses to the Scottish Government’s (SG) consultation on “widening the scope of the current victim statement scheme” which ran from 1 September 2019 until 29 November 2019.
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Victim Surcharge Fund open for applications
Criminals pay towards helping victims.
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Reforming parole
Move to improve transparency and understanding for victims.
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Supporting victims of crime
£250,000 funding for trauma specialist.
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Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 - Section 25 - Restitution Orders: equality impact assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for implementation of Restitution Orders. There are no impacts on the protected characteristics as a result of implementation of Restitution Orders.
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Children’s hearings
Views sought on extending the age range of young people referred.
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Support for women involved in prostitution
Additional funding for vital specialist services during COVID-19 outbreak.
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Supporting domestic abuse victims
New campaign highlights that help is still available.
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Support for victims of domestic violence during COVID-19 outbreak
Justice Secretary: “You are not alone.”
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Extra support for crime victims during pandemic
Justice Secretary announces £100,000 ‘victims fund’ to help those in need.
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Supporting vulnerable adults in criminal cases
Appropriate Adult services to be standardised across Scotland.
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Risk assessment and interventions for victims of domestic abuse: consultation response analysis
Analysis of responses to our public consultation which sought views on how multi-agency risk assessment and working for victims of domestic abuse could best be improved.
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Improving NHS services for victims of sexual crime
Bill will support improvements to service delivery.
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Improving the parole process
More involvement for victims.
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Funding to support and protect stalking victims
Two-thirds of victims experienced stalking via text and online.
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Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers
Advice how to recognise and help victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
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Major study into repeat victims of violence
Violent crime much lower than a decade ago, despite more reports last year.
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National Accommodation Strategy for Sex Offenders in Scotland
The National Accommodation Strategy for Sex Offenders (NASSO) forms part of the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and sets out how housing contributes to those arrangements.
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Paying the cost of crime
Victims to benefit from new charge on criminals.
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Victim statement scheme: consultation
Consultation on the proposed changes to the current victim statement scheme.
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Victim statement expansion
Giving more victims a voice in court to explain how crime has affected them.
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Equally Safe consultation: analysis of responses
Analysis of responses to our consultation on legislation to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases: thematic review
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's review of the investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases.
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Ensuring high-quality restorative justice
£300,000 to drive delivery of consistent services by 2023.
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Management of Offenders Bill passed
Expansion of electronic monitoring and disclosure improvements.
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Recorded crime in Scotland: attempted murder and serious assault, 2008-2009 and 2017-2018
Information on crimes of attempted murder and serious assault recorded by the police in 2008 to 2009 and 2017 to 2018.
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Vulnerable Witnesses Bill passed
Milestone to improve the experiences of child witnesses.
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More support for child witnesses of domestic abuse
Amendment proposed for Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Bill.
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UN convention against torture: our position statement
Account of progress in Scotland in giving effect to the UN Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in advance of a review of the UK by the UN Committee Against Torture in May 2019.
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Hate crime: availability of information recorded by the police in Scotland
Update on work by our statisticians and Police Scotland to review the availability of information on hate crime.
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Equally Safe: consultation on legislation to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault
We are seeking your views on proposals to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Universal periodic review of human rights in the United Kingdom 2017: update on five thematic areas
Our update on progress in implementing UN Human Rights Council recommendations in five thematic areas following the third Universal Periodic Review of human rights in the UK in May 2017.
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Improving Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and interventions for victims of domestic abuse: consultation
A consultation to improve multi-agency risk assessment centres for victims of domestic abuse in Scotland.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2017/18
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland.
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Establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to our public consultation on establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland.
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Victims' code for Scotland
If you are a victim of crime you have a number of rights. Victims' Code sets out these rights, how you can exercise them and the relevant authorities to contact should you need further help and advice.
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Clinical pathways to support adults who experienced sexual assault: consultation
We are seeking views on the clinical pathways and guidance for healthcare professionals working to support adults who present having experienced rape or sexual assault.
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Justice vision and priorities delivery plan 2018-2019 and overview of progress 2017-2018
Overview of progress to the actions set out in 2017-2018 Justice Vision and Priorities Delivery Plan and new approaches and additional actions for the coming year 2018-2019.
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Beyond survival: resource for organisations working with child abuse survivors
This toolkit provides resources to enable survivor support organisations become more sustainable.
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Honouring the lived experience: Rape and Sexual Assault Victims Taskforce option appraisal report
A report summarising the approach, methodology, findings and recommendations of the options appraisal exercise carried out in June 2018 as part of the Chief Medical Officer's Taskforce to Improve Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault.
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Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill: CRWIA
Child rights and wellbeing assessment of proposed legislation to strengthen the rights of victims and witnesses.
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Tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus
New toolkit to address gender-based violence in universities and colleges.
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Tackling domestic abuse
£2.8 million to rehabilitate offenders.
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Establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland: consultation
Consultation on establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland.
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More help for trafficking victims
More than £3 million over three years to improve support.
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Supporting victims of rape
Matheson announces £1.7m to extend advocacy service after successful pilot.
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Improving support for rape victims
£2.25 million to implement new forensic medical examination standards.
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Support for victims and witnesses of crime: workshop report
Summary of September 2017 event focusing on information and support for victims and witnesses of crime.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2016/17
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland.
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Supporting victims of sexual assault
Funding to expand services in Orkney and Shetland.
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Justice in Scotland: vision and priorities delivery plan, 2017-2018
Delivery plan setting out key actions for 2017-2018 to help progress the seven priorities set out in the Justice vision document.
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