Victims of crime will benefit from a Victim Centred Approach Fund announced by the Scottish government.
The £30 million fund over the next three years is being launched to better help victims of crime. It has been established to help support specialist services for those bereaved by crime in Scotland or abroad, provide court advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence, fund support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and enable better long-term outcomes for victims including improved mental and physical health.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “This new streamlined fund will provide joined-up, accessible support to all victims regardless of where they live in Scotland.
“We want people to feel safer, better informed and have an improved experience of the justice system which is why – along with this new fund – we have committed in our Programme for Government to appointing a Victims’ Commissioner to provide an independent voice for victims in Scotland.
“We will also review the Victim Notification Scheme to ensure victims are able to receive timely and compassionate information on the release of offenders, and provide more opportunities for victims to tell courts how crime has personally impacted on them.
“Putting victims at the heart of the justice system is a key priority for this government. This new fund underlines that commitment and will ensure those with experience of crime are fully engaged with and supported on their journey to recovery,” he added.
Funding for organisations will be simplified into one easy place through the Victim Centred Approach Fund. More organisations who support victims will be able to apply for funding and the fund will encourage the development of new projects and approaches.
Applications are welcome from third sector organisations, community interest companies and public sector bodies, including local authorities, later this month. Organisations considering applying to the fund can register their interest now.
There is more information on the Victim Centred Approach Fund here.
