A literature review examined the provision of support to victims and witnesses of crime in Scotland. All of the main forms of support which were seen to be required were provided to some extent, though there were some gaps.
Source: Reid Howie Associates, Provision of Support to Victims and Witnesses of Crime in Scotland, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Date: 2006-Sep
A survey of 1,000 crime victims found that 62 per cent did not believe prison reduced non-violent crime. Most victims believed that the government needed to spend more money tackling the causes of crime.
Source: Victims of Crime Survey, SmartJustice (020 7689 7734)
Links: SmartJustice press release | Guardian report
Date: 2006-Aug
A report examined the experience and support needs of people who suffered attacks because of their ethnic origin or sexual orientation. 'Hate crime' victims suffered major damage to the quality of their life, including the loss of their home or business due to arson or vandalism, and deterioration of emotional well-being.
Source: Crime and Prejudice: The support needs of victims of hate crime, Victim Support (020 7735 9166)
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2006-Aug
A report examined the traumatic consequences of murder and manslaughter for the families and friends left behind.
Source: Alison Paterson, Peter Dunn, Katy Chaston and Lesley Malone, In the Aftermath: The support needs of people bereaved by homicide, Victim Support (020 7735 9166)
Links: Report | BBC report
Date: 2006-Feb
The government approved (following consultation) a pilot scheme under which courts where a conviction for murder or manslaughter had been secured would hear from an advocate speaking on behalf of the victim's family. The court would be told how the death and subsequent events had affected them.
Source: Press release 23 February 2006, Department for Constitutional Affairs (020 7210 8500)
Links: DCA press release | Consultation responses
Date: 2006-Feb