 Crime victims and witnesses are helped by the service |
Scotland's service to protect victims of crime and vulnerable witnesses is being scrutinised at an international legal conference. Judges and lawyers from 40 countries around the globe will be exploring ways of shielding those attending court.
The International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISCRL) will hear about Scotland's flagship Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service.
The service, which was launched in 2002, operates across the country.
'Daunting prospect'
Its director Sue Moody said: "Coming to court can often seem a very daunting prospect for victims of particular types of crime, such as domestic abuse and sexual offences, and also for children and vulnerable witnesses.
"VIA staff work closely with the police and Scottish Court Service, as well as voluntary organisations such as Women's Aid and Victim Support.
"The ISRCL conference gives us an opportunity to share our experience with prosecutors from around the world and to learn from approaches elsewhere."
The VIA service is run by the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service.
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