Justice Secretary to chair new ‘Victims Task Force’

Humza Yousaf

The task force aims to ensure complainers’ voices are heard, to streamline their journey through the criminal justice system, and to provide wide-ranging support and accessible information through the process.

It will hear evidence directly from victims and complainers on their experiences of the justice system and membership will include senior decision-makers from justice agencies and voluntary sector partners.

The first meeting will take place later this year.

Mr Yousaf said: “The impact of crime can be long-lasting and traumatic. Significant progress has been made in recent years to enhance victims’ rights and provide funding for appropriate support, while criminal justice agencies have set robust standards of service for victims and witnesses. However, we must go further to ensure the justice system does not exacerbate trauma and distress.

“Crime in Scotland has fallen by around a third over the last decade with fewer people becoming victims. However, some crime types such as sexual offences show increases and we must redouble our efforts to ensure where any victim of crime comes forward they are provided with a consistently high standard of service.

“Since my appointment I have made clear my determination to develop a truly victim-centred approach which will demand coordinated action by justice system partners and victim support organisations. This task force will accelerate progress by keeping up momentum and ensuring accountability, focusing on the improvements that matter most to victims and working together to break down barriers to change.”

Scottish Legal News has previously highlighted public authorities’ failure to use the word ‘complainer’ when referring to people whose victimhood has not yet been determined. The issue has also been examined in our review of The Secret Barrister.