Organisations which support victims and survivors of crime across Scotland are set to benefit from £48 million of grant funding from the SNP Government, in accordance with the new Victim Centred Approach Fund over the 2022-25 period.
The level of support underpins the SNP Government’s commitment to victims and survivors of crime, a key priority pinpointed in the recently published long term strategy for Scotland’s justice sector.
In addition:
A further £257,000 is being awarded from the Victim Surcharge Fund - a scheme which redistributes cash from offenders to enable organisations to provide quick and practical help to people who have been impacted by crime
An independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme will commence in April and be led by Alastair MacDonald, former Chair of Victim Support Scotland; the scheme enables victims to receive certain information about the release of a prisoner - with the review considering possible improvements to ensure it is serving victims effectively
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“This £48 million funding for a range of organisations across Scotland through the Victim Centred Approach Fund underlines the SNP Government’s commitment to putting victims very firmly at the centre of the justice system.
“It will provide joined-up, accessible support to across North Ayrshire and Scotland. It will help support specialist services for those bereaved by crime, provide court advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence, extend support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and enable better long-term outcomes for victims, including improved mental and physical health.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund enable people impacted by crime to have access to funds when they need it most.”
ENDS
