Victims and witnesses
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Marches, parades and static demonstrations: guidance
This publication sets out the key duties and responsibilities for local authorities facilitating marches, parades and protests in Scotland. It provides guidance and highlights best practice for all key parties involved.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : March 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer community statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Domestic homicide reviews: identifying best practice in learning lessons and implementing change
This working paper outlines 15 aspects of good practice to be considered in the development of a domestic homicide and suicide review model for Scotland. It identifies existing challenges with implementing recommendations from reviews and considers how to define and measure success and impact.
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Child protection learning and development 2024: national framework
Framework to support multi-agency learning and development relevant to child protection in Scotland. This highlights key learning for all workforces according to the level of responsibility they have for child protection.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report February 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach
Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: January 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation
We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report December 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Vulnerable Witnesses Act - section 9: report
This report meets obligations on Scottish Ministers by the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 to publish a report evaluating the effectiveness of the Act at supporting witnesses to participate in the criminal justice system and to set out next steps for implementation.
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Vulnerable Witnesses Act: three month evaluation report
Sets out the findings of a short term evaluation into the operation of the presumption in favour of pre-recorded evidence for children under the age of 18 giving evidence in the High Court to understand what lessons can be learned for future implementation of the Act.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: November 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22: Main Findings
Main findings from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22.
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Scotland's approach to antisocial behaviour: review findings
This report presents findings on the perceptions of current approaches to antisocial behaviour in Scotland, based on discussions with key stakeholders including victims and frontline staff. The report will help inform future reviews on best practice for preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour.
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Vision for Justice in Scotland: three year delivery plan
Provides a high-level overview of the main areas of work that are being undertaken across the justice sector, and further significant reforms that will be introduced over the period 2023 to 2026.
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Homicide in Scotland 2022-23
Statistical bulletin on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2022-2023.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : October 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : September 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Trafficking and exploitation strategy: review
Sets out our second review of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy, first published in 2017 and reviewed in 2020. The review sought to identify if the strategy remained fit for purpose and reflected the policy and operational landscape associated with Scotland.
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National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023
This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.
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Understanding women’s experience of justice
‘Reducing re-traumatisation will promote equality’ – report.
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Women's Justice Leadership Panel: report
This report "The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice" summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.
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Hate crime strategy: easy read version
An easy read version of Scotland's Hate Crime Strategy.
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User Guide to Recorded Crime Statistics in Scotland
Provides detailed information on the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistical bulletin series. It is designed to be a useful reference guide with explanatory notes regarding issues and classifications which are crucial to the production and presentation of crime statistics in Scotland.
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Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: data protection impact assessment
Latest version of the data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) - published in July 2023.
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Age-appropriate care and justice
Bill passes Stage One.
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Crime remains at historically low-levels
Delivering a safer Scotland for everyone.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2022-23
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Tackling criminal exploitation
Safeguarding the most vulnerable.
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New Chief Constable
Justice Secretary Angela Constance comments as first woman appointed to role.
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Children seeking asylum
Launch of new guardianship service.
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New violence prevention strategy
Action to help drive down harm.
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Violence prevention framework
This Framework sets out our vision to prevent violence across Scotland, and when it does occur, to reduce its harm. It is supported by an evidence supplement, spotlights some cross government work and includes priority aims and an action plan, outlining the initial activities going forward.
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Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review
Report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
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Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review - easy read
Easy read version of the report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
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Reducing re-traumatisation in justice system
New approach to better support victims and witnesses.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
Records the decision not to carry out an island communities impact assessment for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. It explains why the Bill will not have a significantly different effect on island communities and describes how this assessment has been made.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
This impact assessment looks at the costs and benefits of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill that affect the public, private and third sector.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)
This impact assessment considers how the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill will affect children’s rights and wellbeing. It records the research, analysis and engagement that has taken place in respect of this and how this has informed the development of the Bill.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment process for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This process was undertaken to ensure that the Bill does not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
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Putting victims and witnesses at heart of justice system
Legislative reforms introduced to Parliament.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Virtual reality helping victims
World-first allows people to better understand courtroom process.
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Redress scheme payments
Over £20 million paid to survivors.
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Independent legal representation for sexual offence victims
Support for victims faced with potential questioning in court about their sexual history.
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Digital evidence pilot
Collaborative system will benefit victims and witnesses.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending December 2022
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Diversion from prosecution: joint review
A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate
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Violence against women and girls funding review: analysis of responses
Analysis of the responses to the Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services call for evidence.
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Making the justice system better for victims: what did you tell us?
Easy read summary of the main findings from the consultation on improving victims' experiences of the justice system
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Police recorded hate crime - characteristics: updated study
Updated information on the number of hate crimes recorded by the police in Scotland during 2020-21 and 2021-22. It also includes new details on the characteristics of hate crime, based on a random sample of cases recorded by the police in 2020-21.
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New domestic abuse powers ‘better reflect experience of victims’
Research finds extending laws to include emotional and psychological abuse has had beneficial impact.
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Budget prioritises £3.4 billion for justice
Critical services supported despite challenging economic climate.
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Support for improved rights for victims
Improving experiences of the justice system.
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Deaths abroad
Support for families and loved ones.
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Victim Surcharge Fund
More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs.
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Cabinet Secretary calls for public to report domestic abuse incidents
Reported figures just ‘tip of the iceberg’.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2021/22
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland in 2021 to 2022.
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Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2021-22
An Official Statistics publication for Scotland
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Crime drops
People feel safer in communities.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending June 2022
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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New custodial unit for women
Visionary centre will transform support for women in custody.
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National Strategy for Community Justice launched
Reducing reoffending will lead to fewer victims.
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Scottish Prison Population Statistics 2020-21
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland 23 June 2022.
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Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Restorative justice launch
New national hubs pave way.
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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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£3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives
Bail supervision and assessment support.
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Victims will benefit from key support
£48m funding underlines government commitment.
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Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland
Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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Criminal justice social work statistics: 2020-21
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
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Use of bail and remand consultation launches
Victim safety at the heart of proposed changes to the use of custody.
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New victim support fund announced
Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.
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Recorded crime remains at low levels
Crimes in four key areas down in the past year.
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Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
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£6.7 million support for legal aid firms
Vital backing to help with COVID recovery.
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Widening the scope of the current victim statement scheme: consultation analysis
This report provides an analysis of responses to the Scottish Government’s (SG) consultation on “widening the scope of the current victim statement scheme” which ran from 1 September 2019 until 29 November 2019.
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Victim Surcharge Fund open for applications
Criminals pay towards helping victims.
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Reforming parole
Move to improve transparency and understanding for victims.
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Supporting victims of crime
£250,000 funding for trauma specialist.
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Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 - Section 25 - Restitution Orders: equality impact assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for implementation of Restitution Orders. There are no impacts on the protected characteristics as a result of implementation of Restitution Orders.
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Children’s hearings
Views sought on extending the age range of young people referred.
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Support for women involved in prostitution
Additional funding for vital specialist services during COVID-19 outbreak.
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Supporting domestic abuse victims
New campaign highlights that help is still available.
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Support for victims of domestic violence during COVID-19 outbreak
Justice Secretary: “You are not alone.”
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Extra support for crime victims during pandemic
Justice Secretary announces £100,000 ‘victims fund’ to help those in need.
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Supporting vulnerable adults in criminal cases
Appropriate Adult services to be standardised across Scotland.
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Risk assessment and interventions for victims of domestic abuse: consultation response analysis
Analysis of responses to our public consultation which sought views on how multi-agency risk assessment and working for victims of domestic abuse could best be improved.
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Improving NHS services for victims of sexual crime
Bill will support improvements to service delivery.
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Improving the parole process
More involvement for victims.
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Funding to support and protect stalking victims
Two-thirds of victims experienced stalking via text and online.
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Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers
Advice how to recognise and help victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
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Major study into repeat victims of violence
Violent crime much lower than a decade ago, despite more reports last year.
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National Accommodation Strategy for Sex Offenders in Scotland
The National Accommodation Strategy for Sex Offenders (NASSO) forms part of the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and sets out how housing contributes to those arrangements.
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Paying the cost of crime
Victims to benefit from new charge on criminals.
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Victim statement scheme: consultation
Consultation on the proposed changes to the current victim statement scheme.
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Victim statement expansion
Giving more victims a voice in court to explain how crime has affected them.
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Equally Safe consultation: analysis of responses
Analysis of responses to our consultation on legislation to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases: thematic review
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's review of the investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases.
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Ensuring high-quality restorative justice
£300,000 to drive delivery of consistent services by 2023.
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Management of Offenders Bill passed
Expansion of electronic monitoring and disclosure improvements.
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Vulnerable Witnesses Bill passed
Milestone to improve the experiences of child witnesses.
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More support for child witnesses of domestic abuse
Amendment proposed for Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Bill.
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UN convention against torture: our position statement
Account of progress in Scotland in giving effect to the UN Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in advance of a review of the UK by the UN Committee Against Torture in May 2019.
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Hate crime: availability of information recorded by the police in Scotland
Update on work by our statisticians and Police Scotland to review the availability of information on hate crime.
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Improving Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and interventions for victims of domestic abuse: consultation
A consultation to improve multi-agency risk assessment centres for victims of domestic abuse in Scotland.
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Establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to our public consultation on establishing a statutory appropriate adult service in Scotland.
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Victims' code for Scotland
If you are a victim of crime you have a number of rights. Victims' Code sets out these rights, how you can exercise them and the relevant authorities to contact should you need further help and advice.
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Clinical pathways to support adults who experienced sexual assault: consultation
We are seeking views on the clinical pathways and guidance for healthcare professionals working to support adults who present having experienced rape or sexual assault.
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Beyond survival: resource for organisations working with child abuse survivors
This toolkit provides resources to enable survivor support organisations become more sustainable.
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Honouring the lived experience: Rape and Sexual Assault Victims Taskforce option appraisal report
A report summarising the approach, methodology, findings and recommendations of the options appraisal exercise carried out in June 2018 as part of the Chief Medical Officer's Taskforce to Improve Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault.
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Tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus
New toolkit to address gender-based violence in universities and colleges.
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Tackling domestic abuse
£2.8 million to rehabilitate offenders.
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More help for trafficking victims
More than £3 million over three years to improve support.
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Supporting victims of rape
Matheson announces £1.7m to extend advocacy service after successful pilot.
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Improving support for rape victims
£2.25 million to implement new forensic medical examination standards.
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Supporting victims of sexual assault
Funding to expand services in Orkney and Shetland.
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