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Resources

We have a range of resources which aim to inform and help victims of different types of crimes, such as sexual crime, human trafficking, domestic abuse and hate crime.

Our publications include useful guidance on various aspects of the court process in which you may be involved as a victim. 

In this section you can also find resources relating to your legal rights of appealing for a review of a decision by us not to prosecute, as well as of requesting access to certain information about your case.

The majority of the resources available on this page have been produced by our Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service. This service, which has offices around the country, offers help to child victims and victims of crime in cases of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual crime or where it is likely that a trial will involve a jury. 

If you are eligible for our VIA service you will also be sent leaflets which give more information about the various aspects of the court process.

If you require further assistance or advice, please contact:

 

COPFS Enquiry Point 

Telephone: 0300 020 3000 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  

Information about different types of crime

Domestic Abuse

 

Hate Crime

 

Human Trafficking

Information about the court process

Summary Trials leaflet and translated versions ▼

Petition procedure leaflet and translated versions ▼

Sheriff and Jury procedure leaflet and translated versions ▼

High Court procedure leaflet and translated versions ▼

Sentences leaflet and translated versions ▼

Appeals leaflet and translated versions ▼

Giving your Statement (Precognition) leaflet and translated versions ▼

Information about your legal rights as a victim

Victims’ Right to Review


Please be aware that from 1 July 2015, you, as a victim of crime in Scotland, have the right to a review of a decision by us not to prosecute, made on or after 1 July 2015. You should if possible apply for a review within one month of the date you are informed of our decision not to prosecute. Generally you would be told of the review decision within 20 working days.

docxApplication form to request a review 

pdfLord Advocate’s Rules: Review of a Decision Not to Prosecute – Section 4 of The Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014

 

Victims and Witnesses - Access to Information Protocol

The Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014


The central objective of the Victim and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 (the Act) is to improve the experience of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system in Scotland.  One of the key provisions is that victims and witnesses have a legal right to request certain information about their case.

pdfAccess to Information Protocol 

pdfAccess to Information Protocol - easy read version

docAccess to Information Protocol - COPFS Application Form – July 2015

docAccess to Information Protoccol - Scottish Court Service Request Form

 

Victims’ Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015


pdfVictims Rights - Return of Property


COPFS welcomes the opportunity to provide a response to the consultation paper on the Victims and Witnesses Bill. This Bill represents the commitment of the Scottish Government to improve the experience of victims and witnesses, a commitment which is shared by COPFS.

Victims and Witnesses Bill - Consultation Paper - COPFS Response

Our Commitments to Victims and Prosecution Witnesses

Our Commitment to Victims and Witnesses booklet and translated versions ▼

How Can We Help You leaflet and translated versions ▼

People with Learning Disability

pdfPeople with Learning Disabilities and the Scottish Criminal Justice System


You may find the following "Easy Read" versions of the above booklet helpful:

Prosecution Policy and Guidance

The Prosecution Policy and Guidance section offers a range of resources in relation to the policy of COPFS on the prosecution procedure. It is divided into six distinct subject areas:

Scottish Government Victims and Witnesses booklets and leaflets with translated versions


Additional Scottish Government resources:


Information on other publications which you might find helpful is available on the Scottish Government Victims and Witnesses publications page, and their After a crime: your rights page. 

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