Victim Support Services
If you are a victim of crime, you may request a referral to providers of victim support services from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Scottish Prison Service or the Parole Board for Scotland at any stage in your journey through the criminal justice system.
If you prefer, you may contact providers of victim support services directly, without a referral.
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) is one of the main support services we will refer you to. VSS is an independent charity that offers a free and confidential service to people throughout Scotland who have been affected by crime.
VSS provide emotional support, practical help and information about the criminal justice system and victim and witness rights. They can support you to give evidence in court and can offer to refer you onto other support services.
You can contact VSS directly without a referral, via their free helpline on 0800 160 1985 or their website.
Scottish Women’s Aid
Scottish Women’s Aid network provides support to women, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse. The network consists of 36 independent local Women’s Aid charities who provide high quality specialist services and access to refuges, committing each year to a shared set of principles.
Support is available 24/7 on their domestic and forced Marriage Helpline 0800 027 1234 or by emailing helpline@sdafmh.org.uk.
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland provides a national rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened.
The National Helpline is normally open from 6pm to midnight, 7 days a week, and offers free and confidential initial and crisis support and information.
The helpline can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for ongoing support. The helpline can arrange for language interpreters if your first language is not English.
Contact their helpline on 08088 01 03 02 or email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.
