VIA service now nationwide
13 Jan 05
Victim Information and Advice national rollout completed on schedule
The Victim Information and Advice Service (VIA) completed its rollout across Scotland, on schedule, at the end of December, the Crown Office confirmed today.
VIA, which is part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, provides information to certain victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin about the criminal justice process in general. It keeps them informed about the progress of the particular case that affects them, and facilitates referral to other agencies for specialist support and counselling as required.
It serves individual victims, or groups of victims, in all cases of domestic abuse, racist crime, sexual offences and cases likely to be tried before a jury. The service is also provided to all child witnesses or vulnerable witnesses, and to the next-of-kin where criminal proceedings are possible, a fatal accident inquiry is to be held, or further enquiries are pending.
Over 47,000 victims and vulnerable witnesses throughout Scotland have been assisted by VIA since its launch on 14 June 2002. Now every procurator fiscal can refer people to their local VIA team.
Solicitor General Elish Angiolini QC said: "The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service made a commitment to have the VIA service available across Scotland by the end of 2004 and this goal has been achieved.
"All our staff are aware of the needs of victims and aim to treat victims, bereaved relatives and witnesses with courtesy and compassion.
"Often, the criminal justice system can seem daunting, and VIA provides vital information and explanatory advice to victims and witnesses in these circumstances, helping them better understand and feel more engaged with the process."