Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment update
Highlights any changes to the assessed impacts of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill on protected characteristics, following Stage 2 of the Bill's parliamentary process.
Background
The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 25 April 2023.
The Bill responds to concerns raised about the need to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within Scotland’s justice system, especially the victims of sexual crime. At the same time, it continues to safeguard the operation and principles of the system and protects the rights of those accused of crime.
An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was published when the Bill was introduced to Parliament. The EQIA records the results of equality impact assessment process undertaken in relation to the policies in the Bill. This process was undertaken to ensure that the Bill does not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
Stage 2 of the Bill’s parliamentary process took place between 12 March 2025 and 2 April 2025. Further information about changes that were made to the Bill during this stage can be found on the Scottish Parliament website.
Contact
Email: vwjrbill@gov.scot