More victims of crime in Scotland could soon gain access to crucial information about offenders and have a say in their release conditions under new government plans. The proposed changes aim to make the justice system more transparent and victim-focused.
Equal Access for All Victims
Under the current system, victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison. Those affected by shorter sentences can only access limited information through the Victim Information Scheme.
New proposals would remove this sentencing threshold, allowing all victims the same rights, regardless of the length of the offender’s sentence. The Scottish government says the move strengthens victims’ rights within the justice system.
More Input on Offender Release
Another key change would allow all victims to provide input when an offender is considered for release on licence. At present, only victims in cases where the sentence is four years or more have this right.
Siobhian Brown, Scotland’s victims minister, said the reforms reflect the principle that “a victim’s rights should not hinge on the length of sentence that the perpetrator is serving.” She added that victims need better support in making informed choices about whether they wish to receive updates about their offender.
Expanding the Scope of Notifications
The range of information available through the VNS for victims of offenders in the forensic mental health system would also be broadened. This would apply to those subject to a compulsion order and restriction order, ensuring victims are kept informed about significant developments.
Part of a Wider Justice Overhaul
The changes are being introduced as amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is set for further debate in the Scottish Parliament next week.
This bill also includes other controversial justice reforms, such as:
- A pilot scheme for juryless rape trials
- The abolition of Scotland’s unique “not proven” verdict
- Measures aimed at reducing trauma for victims giving evidence
The proposed reforms coincide with a separate initiative to ease prison overcrowding by releasing certain inmates early, a move that has drawn criticism over lack of victim notification.
Victim Support Groups Call for More Action
Victim Support Scotland has welcomed the proposals but says they don’t go far enough. Chief executive Kate Wallace pointed out that recommendations to improve the VNS were made in May 2023, yet progress has been slow.
She highlighted concerns over last year’s emergency early release scheme, in which hundreds of prisoners were released, yet only 2% of their victims were notified. “While early release schemes have passed swiftly through Holyrood in the last year, improvements to the VNS have languished,” Wallace stated.
With the reforms now heading for debate, the Scottish government faces pressure to ensure victims’ rights are strengthened in practice, not just on paper.
