Partnerships
VIA and COPFS staff work in partnership with a number of other organisations to improve services for victims and witnesses. These working arrangements are governed by the protocols listed below:-
· the Police in relation to domestic abuse cases
· the Police in relation to the work of Family Liaison Officers
· information Exchange Agreement between Scottish Court Service and VIA
These protocols have either been reviewed recently or are currently being reviewed.
Scottish Strategy for Victims
All of these protocols help contribute to this Strategy, which was introduced in 2001 by the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government). It aims to improve the information and support available to victims and witnesses, and their ability to participate in the criminal justice system.
You can view the Strategy, its progress reports, and the review document on the Scottish Government's Victims of Crime website. The site also provides a range of other information about the criminal justice system.
Witnesses in Scotland
The Scottish Government has also set up the Witnesses in Scotland website to provide information about what to expect if you area witness at court.