Victims and witnesses

What you can expect from us

We’re working with the Scottish Government to put victims and witnesses at the heart of our work.

If you’ve been affected by a crime, it’s important you know what to expect from us, so you get the support and information you need when you need it.

Here are some of the things we’ll do to support you:

• We’ll discuss with you how we’ll keep you up to date with the progress of your case. We’ll also explain how we’ll deal with your case and what we might ask you to do to help us.
• We will give you the chance to tell us if you want a male or female officer to interview you, depending on the crime. We’ll do our best to do what you prefer.
• We’ll work with our partners to consider any specific needs you have and do our best to meet them.
• We’ll give you a Care Card. This gives you details about the officer you speak to and the crime you report to them. It also tells you how to get support and explains the Scottish Government’s Victims’ Code

We will also:

• make sure you have fair and equal access to services
• treat you with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of:
  • age
  • disability
  • gender identity
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion or belief
  • sex or sexual orientation
  • give you extra support if you need it, and make reasonable adjustments so you can access the information and support you need
  • work with other support organisations to make sure you get the best service possible.

Read our full standards of service for victims and witnesses 2024/25 (PDF)

Related links

• Victim Support Services
• Police Scotland VIPER page
• Victim Support Scotland
• Standards of Services for Victims and Witnesses
• Access to Information
• How can we provide the best support to people affected by crime?
• MyGov.scot, Victims Code for Scotland
• MyGov.scot, Further advice for Victims and Witnesses