People at heart: A guide to communicating with people affected by crime
A guide for anyone who communicates with people affected by crime, offering practical insights and guidance on how to communicate in a clear and human way.
Inclusive language
Everyone has the same rights and deserves to be treated with the same respect. So we use language that includes everyone, to make sure no one feels excluded from justice.
How to do it
Don’t refer to a person’s ability, race, age, gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation unless it’s relevant or a legal requirement to do so.
Instead of...
The elderly woman gave her testimony in court.
Try...
The witness provided a detailed account of the incident.
Don’t make assumptions or generalisations. Avoid putting people into groups.
Instead of...
She’s a single mum, so she probably won’t have time for this.
Try...
Let’s ask if the timing works for her.
Use gender-neutral words (e.g. ‘people’, ‘spokesperson’, ‘they’).
Instead...
If you gave a statement to a policeman, he may….
Try...
If you gave a statement to a police officer, they may…
Wherever you can, record people’s preferences for pronouns and titles, so that they can be addressed appropriately in a letter or on a call.
Contact
Email: VictimsPolicy@gov.scot