Meeting of the Parliament 21 February 2023
This debate marks Victim Support Scotland’s victims awareness week, which runs until Sunday. Over the past couple of years I have learned much about the charity and the valuable work that it does. The evidence from its chief executive Kate Wallace to the Criminal Justice Committee is always illuminating, frank and to the point—unlike some politicians, it might well be said. As a prominent voice for crime victims, she takes her responsibility seriously. VSS has to engage with policy makers like us, but its bread and butter is in the real world, supporting victims, witnesses and their families. I will come on to that.
This is only my second-ever members’ business debate—I mention that just in case the chief whip is taking note. The first was almost a year ago, to mark world press freedom day. As a former journalist, I am a passionate believer in the importance of vibrant and varied news media. I suppose that the subject of today’s debate is also personal, in that I, like so many others, have been a victim of serious crime. Members may be aware that I was the subject of a targeted attack, because of my past work investigating organised crime. I was very fortunate not to have suffered any permanent or long-term harm.
Some people do not like the word “victim”, preferring “survivor”—it is a personal choice. I do not categorise myself as either, however: having been a crime victim does not define me, although it did give me useful insight into Scotland’s criminal justice system.
Falling victim to crime can be unsettling, traumatic or even life changing. How many times have we heard victims say the same thing—that the justice process was as big an ordeal, and sometimes even worse, than the crime itself? It is a strange and self-serving world—formal, hostile and alien to outsiders, the rules a mystery. To victims it can be impersonal and intimidating, daunting and despairing.
How many times have we heard the following from victims? They have been deprived of basic information, and what they are told is often grudging or in jargon. Their lives may be trapped in limbo, as criminals play games and cases are prolonged for years. They are retraumatised by hostile treatment in court, belittled and made to feel as if it is they who are on trial. They see criminals being cosseted and pandered to, as if they were the victims. They are shut out and powerless, as prosecutors strike secret plea deals with defence lawyers, often distorting and diluting reality. If justice is eventually done, they can be left scunnered by sentences that do not match the gravity of the crime.
Every day, in every court in Scotland, VSS volunteers are there for those victims. This afternoon in Glasgow, the first-ever VSS excellence awards took place, with 20 employees and volunteers recognised for their endeavours. I commend the winners and each of the 230 volunteers who give up their time to offer practical help and moral support.
Being a victim can have a profound impact emotionally, mentally and physically, but also financially. That brings me to the VSS emergency assistance fund, which has expanded in recent years and which I do not think is widely known about. Victims whose lives have been plunged into turmoil through no fault of their own can readily and rapidly access practical support. The fund is flexible, and it can cover the cost of emergency food supplies, household goods, clothing or security equipment. For families who have lost a loved one to murder, there is support for funeral costs.
I have great empathy with those who have suffered from serious crime. The Scottish Government and its criminal justice agencies frequently talk about the importance of victims’ rights, although I sometimes find myself questioning whether such talk is truly sincere. To be fair—and I am nothing if not fair—there has been meaningful improvement across the United Kingdom in recent years. Last night’s BBC 2 documentary, “Parole”, was fascinating and insightful. Viewers were shown full parole processes taking place in England, and I hope that Scotland will eventually embrace similar transparency.
I have no doubt that the evolution of victims’ rights will continue. Campaigners such as Kate Wallace will keep rattling cages and bending ears. It is clear, however, that there is still so much more to do.