Everyone will be affected by crime at some point in their life. This might be directly, by becoming a victim or a witness of a crime, or indirectly through family and friends.
Nearly one million crimes are committed in Scotland every year, about 50% of which are never reported to the police. People can suffer greatly in the aftermath of crime and may experience a range of reactions including headaches, insomnia, anxiety, relationship problems and a temporary inability to cope with everyday living. These are all normal reactions following a crime. Practical problems with, for example, insurance and compensation claims are also common. Many are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system and how it works.
Victim Support Scotland - who are we?
Victim Support Scotland is an independent voluntary organisation, providing practical and emotional support and information about the criminal justice system to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime. Trained staff and volunteers deliver this assistance through a network of community and court based services throughout Scotland. There is a community based victim service in every local authority area and a court based witness service in every Sheriff Court.
How to contact us?
If you know of someone who has been affected by crime who would benefit from our services, the phone numbers for local victim support and witness services can be found in the phone book. Or you can contact our Helpline:
0845 603 9213
Some people prefer to discuss their experience over the phone rather than face to face. The Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers, who can provide assistance over the phone or direct you to your nearest service.
The Helpline operates from 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
The Helpline is a low call number, which means that all calls will be charged at the local rate, no matter where you live.
Outside these hours, you can contact the UK Victim Support line: 0845 30 30 900
9am-9pm Monday to Friday
9am-7pm at weekends
9am-5pm on Bank Holidays
What can we provide?
The services that we can provide include:
- A sympathetic ear
- Emotional support
- Practical help
- Support in court for witnesses, including a pre-trial visit to the court
- Information about compensation, including assistance in completing forms
- Information about criminal justice procedures
- Information about other agencies which provide further specialist support
It does not matter whether the crime has been reported or not. The crime may have occurred some time ago - the full impact is often not felt until some time after the crime has been committed. Some people may require short term support, while others may need support over a longer period of time.
Victim Support is not able to provide financial assistance or professional counselling.
Awareness training
Victim Support Scotland provides customised programmes for other organisations on how to cope with the effects of crime and information about other specialist sources of help for victims and witnesses.