Victim Support Scotland
Police Scotland recognises the importance of informing victims and witnesses of crime about the support available to them, and how to access this support.
On this page:
Your rights as a victim of crime
Your rights as a victim of crime
When giving a statement to police you can ask to have a person of your choice or your legal representative with you.
If circumstances do not permit this, the reason will be explained to you. In some instances, depending on the crime, you will be able to decide if you'd prefer a male or female officer to interview you.
We will try to meet your request wherever possible.
We will make sure you receive a Victim’s Care Card. This will give you details of your enquiry officer (person investigating the crime). It will also tell you the crime you reported, information on Scottish Government’s Victim’s Code and how to access victim support services.
Accessing support services
If you have been impacted by crime (as a victim or a witness), we will make sure you have access to victim support services.
You may request a referral to services through Police Scotland or other criminal justice partners. You can get this at any time in your journey through the criminal justice system.
If you prefer, you may contact these support services by yourself.
If you have been a victim of a crime but don’t wish to report it to the police, you can still contact victim support services for their assistance.
Find out more about our partner Victim Support Scotland.
Police Scotland recognises the importance of informing victims and witnesses of crime about the support available to them. We also recognise how important access to support is.
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) is one of the support services we will refer you to. VSS is an independent charity that offers a free and confidential service to people throughout Scotland. VSS gives advice to those who have been affected by crime.
You can contact VSS directly without a referral. You can reach them through their free helpline on 0800 160 1985 or on the Victim Support Scotland website.
VSS give emotional support, practical help and information about the criminal justice system and victim and witness rights.
They can support you to give evidence in court. They can also offer to refer you onto other support services.
A victim who was supported by VSS said:
"Victim Support Scotland has made such a difference to my life. They were always there for me and I don't know what I would do without them - they are only a phone call away. They have also made me feel safe in my house, which I cannot thank them enough for. I couldn't get through this without them."
If you make a request to police to refer you to Victim Support Scotland, we will share your contact details. VSS can then contact you either by telephone or by letter.
Other victim support agencies are available to help you through your experience. Find more information in the Contact Us section.
