Victims in the criminal justice system - Phase I

Policy and Strategy

1. That COPFS set a timetable to move towards its business plan aim "to notify victims of the outcome of cases to include cases which are disposed of by Direct Measure or No Action decisions (including No Action Meantime)".

2. That COPFS expedite the work to consolidate its 'Commitments to victims and witnesses of crime' and ensure through a tailored training regime this is brought to the attention of all staff.

3. That the consolidated 'Commitments to victims of crime' is published in an accessible form for victims of crime (on the website/forwarded by leaflet to identified victims) in order they are made aware of the minimum standards of treatment they are entitled to expect from COPFS.

4. That COPFS work with the Scottish Government, criminal justice partners and stakeholder groups to raise awareness of their website and the information available there.

5. That COPFS and police forces maintain a high level of supervision and monitoring of domestic abuse cases in line with the joint protocol and other related policies.

6. That COPFS and ACPOS consider whether their domestic abuse protocol could better reflect emerging knowledge about violence that takes place within the context of families and close relationships and within both existing and more recent communities in Scotland.

People

7. Domestic abuse being a significant portion of all offences reported to COPFS, awareness training currently offered by COPFS should be mandatory for all staff who may have some contact with these cases.

Processes

8. The current revision of the ACPOS/ VSS information exchange protocol takes cognisance of the need to balance between providing sufficient information to allow VSS to make good decisions about how best to support victims, with the need to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate detail being provided. The protocol should be developed in consultation with the Information Commissioner's Office.

9. That COPFS and police forces reach agreed protocols about which agency provides information at different stages of cases to ensure all victims have basic information about the progress of the case in which they are involved and who/where to contact for further information they require.

Results

10. Police forces, COPFS and the Scottish Government should ensure that their approaches to dealing with victims pursuant to The Strategy recognise that the majority of victims' cases will not proceed to court and will not receive the focus and support that the status of being a witness attracts.