Victim Information and Advice

Aims

VIA is a dedicated victim information and advice service within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Its principal aims are:

• To provide information to victims, bereaved next of kin and some witnesses about the criminal justice process in general.
• To keep victims and bereaved next of kin informed about the progress of the case that affects them.
• To facilitate referral to other agencies for specialist support and counselling as required.

Services

The service is designed to assist and guide victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin through the criminal justice process and to attempt to increase their understanding of and satisfaction with the justice system. VIA at all times encourage victims to make informed choices about the information they wish to have and the support they feel they require. Every effort is made to give victims autonomy and responsibility in taking such decisions.

Services of Victim Information and Advice are only available to victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin in cases of certain crimes that are reported to the Procurator Fiscal.