Meeting the needs of victims in court

When a crime has been committed, particularly one that targets an individual, and an offender is detected, one of the hardest tasks we ask the victim and witnesses to do is then attend court.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Aug 2017, 19:00 BST

Updated 12th Sep 2017, 12:17 BST

In court, they will be required to recount the circumstances and, if possible, identify the offender.

We recognise this is a mammoth task to undertake but it is necessary the court hears all the facts and the impact it has had on an individual and their community.

Without members of our community standing up and providing evidence, the number of offenders convicted and punished would be greatly reduced.

Officers and staff recognise the importance of providing appropriate support and aim to ensure that the needs of all victims of crime are considered.

Our officers work with local and national resources to support victims and ensure support is available when it’s required most.

We also work in partnership with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to highlight vulnerabilities and ensure individual needs are met when victims attend court.