Victim Support Scotland is at a historic junction the likes of which we have never seen before, with far-reaching potential improvements for victims and witnesses which could exceed all of our expectations.

That was the message conveyed by Deputy Chief Executives Susan Gallagher and Jim Andrews during the first day of a three-day staff and volunteer event today (July 2, 2012) in the John McIntyre Building of the University of Edinburgh.

Susan Gallagher said that VSS had arrived at this point through its own determination to challenge the way that Scotland as a country cared and supported victims and witnesses. She said that all of the work, ranging from organising political Fringe events, individual meetings with Ministers, giving oral and written evidence to Government, and national and local meetings with MSPs had all contributed to such advances, allied to proposed changes in Europe in the way that victims are to be dealt with.

She stated that a new EU Directive, to be finally voted on in September, would enshrine in legislation rights for victims for the first time and in Scotland the Government would meet its legislative objectives with a new Victims and Witnesses Crime Bill.

Jim Andrews emphasised that the Scottish Government’s approach to the new Bill encompassed discussions with VSS and partner agencies, and importantly the views of victims and witnesses themselves.

Bob Leitch, chairman of VSS, earlier welcomed delegates to the event and David McKenna, VSS Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of the event in informing staff and volunteers of the advances which the organisation has achieved in delivering services to victims and witnesses of crime.