Manifesto for change 2007-2011
Victim Support Scotland calls on the Scottish Parliament to:
1) Set up a Victims’ Fund to cover reasonable expenses of victims of crime who are not called as witnesses and associated family members
2) Demand good practice in media when reporting on crime
3) Continue to provide funding and investment for the enhancement of victim services
4) Further research the needs of victims of crime
5) Enhance diversity by demanding all public agencies working with victims to tailor their services according to the individual’s need
6) Set up more widespread assistance for victims applying for compensation
7) Establish employer responsibility, requiring employers to develop policies and practices supporting members of staff who have become victims of crime
8) Ensure that all public sector workers in contact with victims or witnesses of crime complete Victim Awareness Training
9) Create housing priority rights for victims to be prioritised in housing transfers
10) Ensure that Health and Education services develop public strategies on how they intend to work with victims of crime
11) Recognise victims of antisocial behaviour as victims of crime and provide them with the same support as other victims
12) Establish a right to information for all victims
13) Make the Witness Service available in all Scottish courts
14) Create court environments capable of keeping the accused separated from the victim and associated witnesses
15) Ensure that all courts provide reserved seating areas for victims, their families and witnesses
16) Expand the use of special measures protecting vulnerable witnesses, both regarding children and vulnerable adults
17) Provide information regarding the support available to the voluntary sector
18) Enhance information and assistance to people who have been victimised abroad
19) Set up specialised support services for victims of trafficking
20) Appoint a Victim’s Commissioner
