HOW?
VIA can help by:
providing general information and advice about how the criminal justice system works and what can be expected;
keeping victims, witness and next of kin updated on the progress of their case;
arranging for witnesses to be shown round the court before a trial; and
offering details of other services for victims, witnesses and their families.
VIA will provide services in a prompt and accurate manner which is sensitive to, and takes account of, an individual's needs and circumstances. We will do our best to communicate with victims, witnesses and next of kin in the way and/or the language that best suits them.
VIA staff work in partnership with the rest of the COPFS and with other statutory agencies and voluntary organisations to help victims, witnesses and next of kin get the information and support they need.
VIA cannot decide nor influence who is prosecuted for a crime or what they are charged with. The Procurator Fiscal makes this decision based on the evidence available and whether it is in the public interest to prosecute.
VIA cannot offer counselling or financial support, although VIA staff can provide contact details of voluntary support organisations in your area. Information about national organisations can be found by accessing the
links to their websites.
VIA provide information and advice by letter, leaflet, telephone and occasionally in person. Copies of our information leaflets are available on the
Information for Victims Page.