Victim Support information
Support if you’ve been a victim or witness of crime
If you’re a victim or witness of crime, we know how important it can be to get the right support – and know where to find it when you want it.
We will always do our best to give you the support you need when you’re with us. We’ll also let you know where to get other support if you need it.
How to get support
You can contact support organisations directly or we can pass your details on if you’d like us to, so they can get in touch with you.
In fact, you can ask any of the following organisations to refer you to support services, wherever you are on your journey through the criminal justice system:
- Police Scotland
- Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
- Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
- Scottish Prison Service
- Parole Board for Scotland
Your rights
If you are a victim of crime, you will usually need to give a statement to the police. When you do, you can ask to have your legal representative or someone else you know and trust with you.
If you can’t have someone specific with you, we’ll let you know why. For example, if the person you want with you is also a witness, they wouldn’t be able to sit with you. This is because we would need to speak to you both separately to make sure we just get your individual versions of what happened.
Depending on the crime you’ve been affected by, you may be able to tell us whether you’d like to be interviewed by a male or a female officer. We’ll always do our best to do what you’d prefer.
We’ll also give you a Care Card. This gives you details about the officer you speak to and the crime you report to them. It also tells you how to get support and explains the Scottish Government.
If you’ve been affected by a crime but you don’t want to report it to the police, you can still contact support services if you’d like to.
We’ve given information and contact details for each one below.
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) is an independent charity who are not part of the police or courts. They can help anyone affected by crime, no matter who you are or what’s happened. Their service is free and confidential, and they won’t judge you. They will listen to you and offer practical and emotional support.
VSS is one of our main partners when it comes to supporting people affected by crime. They support more than 37,000 people every year – for example with giving evidence in court or pointing them to other services.
They’ve designed their services to support people directly or indirectly affected by crime, and help them see life beyond what they’ve been through.
Virtual courtroom tours at VSS
If you need to go to court for a trial, it can be a bit daunting if you’ve never been in a courtroom before.
On VSS’s website, you can take a virtual tour of Scottish Courts across Scotland to help you get ready for your visit. This can reduce anxiety and stress about giving evidence, and help you understand what to expect.
Get in touch with VSS directly
You can get in touch with VSS between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am and 4pm Saturday to Sunday:
- Call them free on 0800 160 1985
- Use their Webchat
- Fill a form to refer yourself for support
"Victim Support Scotland has made such a difference to my life. They were always there for me and I don't know what I would do without them – they are only a phone call away. They have also made me feel safe in my house, which I cannot thank them enough for. I couldn't get through this without them."
You can read about how VSS supported Ben, after he was referred by Police, on the VSS website.
Scottish Women’s Aid
Scottish Women’s Aid supports women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. They offer a range of specialist services, including arranging a safe place to stay.
Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. They have a network of [33] Women’s Aid charities and groups, so you can find practical and emotional support locally.
Get in touch with Scottish Women’s Aid directly
You can get in touch with Scottish Women’s Aid’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
• Call 0800 027 1234
• Text or Whatsapp 07401 288595
• Email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland can support you if you’ve been affected by rape, sexual assault or abuse – no matter when or how it happened.
Their free service is completely confidential. They’ll be with you every step of the way, from looking after your health and wellbeing through to reporting the crime and beyond. They can also put you in touch with other services for ongoing support.
Get in touch with Rape Crisis Scotland directly
You can contact Rape Crisis Scotland through their national helpline, 7 days a week from 5pm to midnight:
• Call 08088 01 03 02
• Text 07537 410 027
• Email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
• Webchat www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
If English isn’t your first language, they can arrange an interpreter for you.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
CICA is an Executive Agency, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice that provides compensation for victims of violent crime in Scotland, England or Wales. Awards can range from £1000 to £500,000 depending on the severity of your injuries. You usually have to claim within 2 years of the crime. The crime must be reported to the police before you apply. Claims can be made even if an offender is not identified or convicted.
More information can be found on the CICA Government Website.
