Victim's rights in Scotland: easy read leaflet

Your Right to Support

Access to Support Services

You have the right to use victim support services even if the crime has not been reported to the police.

Victim Support Scotland gives emotional support, help and information to victims, witnesses and anyone affected by crime. These services are free and confidential.

There are other organisations that can give support to anyone affected by crime. You can get more information about these organisations at the back of this booklet.

Support for Vulnerable Individuals in Court (Special Measures)

Some people are more vulnerable because of who they are or the kind of questions they might be asked in court. There are different ways to help a vulnerable witness give evidence in court.

This kind of support is called "special measures." One of the special measures can be that the witness does not have to see the accused person in court.

You can get more information about special measures from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

The authorities should ask if you are worried about giving evidence, and can help you choose the best way for you to give it.

Giving evidence is when you tell the court about the crime that was committed against you.

All children aged under18 years are seen as vulnerable and can get some special measures.

A witness who has a mental disorder, learning disability or who is scared by the idea of giving evidence might also be called vulnerable. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will decide if they are vulnerable.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service will also make sure that victims are kept apart from the accused when waiting to give evidence in court.