Victim's rights in Scotland: easy read leaflet

Publication for people with learning difficulties describes how victims of crime should be treated within the criminal justice system, and what information, help and support they should receive.


What is a victim?

A man aggressively grabbing another man by the shoulder. The man being grabbed looks frightened

A victim is a person who has had a crime committed against them. This can mean someone attacked them, abused them or stole from them.

Committing a crime means breaking the law.

A group of people, of different ages and ethnicities

Being a victim is nothing to be ashamed of. You did nothing wrong. Anyone can be a victim.

A person having their say

The voices of victims should be heard.

A group of different people’s faces, with equals signs between them to show that they are all equal

All victims have the same rights. This means that all victims should be treated the same way.

A hand holding a book with ‘Your Rights’ written on the cover.

This booklet will explain:

A man making a phone call, with a Police officer answering the call

Your rights when you report a crime to the Police.

A woman speaking to Police officer, who is taking notes

Your rights when the Police look into your case.

A man in handcuffs being taken away by a Police officer

Your rights when the Police arrest a person for committing the crime.

A court room

Your rights when the case goes to court.

The case is what we call it when the crime you reported is being investigated. Court is where the trial will be held.

A man behind bars

Your rights after the court gives a verdict.

The verdict is the court's decision about whether the person is guilty.

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