# Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014

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# Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014

# 2014 asp 1                     

The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 12th December 2013 and received Royal Assent                        on 17th January 2014                     

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision for certain rights and support for victims and witnesses, including provision                        for implementing Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and the Council; and to make provision for the establishment of a committee of the Mental Welfare                        Commission with functions relating to persons who were placed in institutional care as children.                     

## General principlesS

### 1General principlesS

(1)Each person mentioned in subsection (2) must have regard to the principles mentioned in subsection (3) in carrying out functions                        conferred on the person by or under any enactment in so far as those functions relate to a person who is or appears to be                        a victim or witness in relation to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.                  

(2)The persons are—                  

(a)the Lord Advocate,                  

(b)the Scottish Ministers,                  

(c)the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,                  

(d)the Scottish Court Service,                  

(e)the Parole Board for Scotland.                  

(3)The principles are—                  

(a)that a victim or witness should be able to obtain information about what is happening in the investigation or proceedings,                  

(b)that the safety of a victim or witness should be ensured during and after the investigation and proceedings,                  

(c)that a victim or witness should have access to appropriate support during and after the investigation and proceedings,                  

(d)that, in so far as it would be appropriate to do so, a victim or witness should be able to participate effectively in the                        investigation and proceedings.                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify subsection (2).                  

(5)An order under subsection (4) is subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

Commencement Information

I1S. 1 in force at 30.1.2015 by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.**

### [F11A.Further general principles applicable to victimsS

(1)Each person mentioned in section 1(2) must have regard to the principles mentioned in subsection (2) in carrying out functions                           conferred on the person by or under any enactment in so far as those functions relate to a person who is or appears to be                           a victim in relation to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.                  

(2)The principles are—                  

(a)that victims should be treated in a respectful, sensitive, tailored, professional and non-discriminatory manner,                  

(b)that victims should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be able to understand information they are given and be understood                           in any information they provide,                  

(c)that victims should have their needs taken into consideration,                  

(d)that, when dealing with victims who are children, the best interests of the child should be considered, taking into account                           the child’s age, maturity, views, needs and concerns, and                  

(e)that victims should be protected from—                  

(i)secondary and repeat victimisation,                  

(ii)intimidation, and                  

(iii)retaliation.                  

(3)In this section, “child” means a person under 18 years of age.]                  

Textual Amendments

F1S. 1A inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **2**

## Standards of serviceS

### 2Standards of serviceS

(1)Each person mentioned in subsection (2) must set and publish standards in relation to—                  

(a)the carrying out of the functions of the person mentioned in subsection (3) in relation to a person who is or appears to be                        a victim or witness in relation to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings,                  

(b)the person's procedure for making and resolving complaints about the way in which the person carries out those functions.                  

(2)The persons are—                  

(a)the Lord Advocate,                  

(b)the Scottish Ministers,                  

(c)the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,                  

(d)the Scottish Court Service,                  

(e)the Parole Board for Scotland.                  

(3)The functions are—                  

(a)in the case of the Lord Advocate, functions relating to the investigation and prosecution of crime,                  

(b)in the case of the Scottish Ministers, functions relating to prisons and young offenders institutions and persons detained                        in them,                  

(c)in the case of any other person mentioned in subsection (2), any functions.                  

(4)Before a person mentioned in subsection (2) (“the publisher”) publishes standards under subsection (1), the publisher must                        consult—                  

(a)every other person mentioned in subsection (2), and                  

(b)such other persons as appear to the publisher to have a significant interest in the standards.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers may by order—                  

(a)modify subsection (2),                  

(b)so far as is necessary or expedient in consequence of any modification made under paragraph (a), modify subsection (1), (3)                        or (6).                  

(6)In this section—                  
          -  “prison” and “young offenders institution” have the meanings given by section 307(1) of the 1995 Act, 
          -  “victim” includes a prescribed relative of a victim.                         

(7)In subsection (6), “prescribed” means prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by order.                  

(8)An order under subsection (5) is subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

(9)An order under subsection (6) is subject to the negative procedure.                  

Commencement Information

I2S. 2 in force at 13.8.2014 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.**

I3S. 2 in force at 30.1.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

### 3ReportsS

(1)This section applies where a person publishes standards under section 2(1).                  

(2)The person must prepare and publish a report in relation to the matters mentioned in subsection (3)—                  

(a)before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which standards are first published under section 2(1),                        and                  

(b)as soon as practicable following—                  

(i)the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which a report is published under paragraph (a), and                  

(ii)each subsequent period of a year.                  

(3)The matters are—                  

(a)an assessment of how, and the extent to which, the standards have been met during the period of the report,                  

(b)an explanation of how the person intends to meet the standards during the year after the period of the report,                  

(c)a description of any modification of the standards made during the period of the report, and                  

(d)a description of any modification of the standards that the person proposes to make during the year after the period of the                        report.                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations prescribe information (in addition to that required under subsection (3)) that reports                        prepared under subsection (2) must contain.                  

(5)Regulations under subsection (4) are subject to the negative procedure.                  

Commencement Information

I4S. 3 in force at 30.1.2015 by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.**

## [F2ComplaintsS

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 3A and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **3**

### 3A.ComplaintsS

(1)A competent authority must provide a complaints process by which a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to                           an offence or alleged offence, may challenge—                  

(a)an alleged breach by that competent authority of that person’s rights under this Act, or                  

(b)an alleged breach of that competent authority’s obligations under this Act.                  

(2)The obligation in subsection (1) does not apply where the competent authority is subject to a complaints process, provided                           in or under any enactment, which would allow a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged                           offence to challenge the matters in subsection (1)(a) and (b).]                  

## [F3Provision of information to victimsS

Textual Amendments

F3Ss. 3B-3D and cross-headings inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **4**

### 3B.The Victims’ Code for ScotlandS

(1)The Scottish Ministers must prepare and publish a document, known as the Victims’ Code for Scotland, setting out the following                           information (or directing the reader as to where that information is set out)—                  

(a)the types of support that victims may obtain and from whom that support can be obtained,                  

(b)the procedures for making complaints with regard to a criminal offence and the victim’s role in connection with such procedures,                  

(c)how and under what conditions victims may obtain protection, including special measures under sections 271 to 271M of the                           1995 Act and measures under section 9C of this Act,                  

(d)how and under what conditions victims may access legal advice, legal aid or any other sort of advice which the Scottish Ministers                           consider relevant to the needs of victims,                  

(e)how and under what conditions victims may obtain compensation,                  

(f)how and under what conditions victims are entitled to interpretation and translation,                  

(g)in relation to a criminal offence which was not committed in Scotland, any measures, procedures or arrangements, which are                           available to protect victims’ interests in Scotland,                  

(h)the available procedures for making complaints against any competent authority in relation to a breach of victims’ rights                           under this or any other enactment,                  

(i)the contact details for all competent authorities,                  

(j)the available restorative justice services, and                  

(k)how and under what conditions victims may be reimbursed for the reasonable expenses incurred by them as a result of their                           participation in criminal proceedings.                  

(2)The Victims’ Code for Scotland may include such other information as the Scottish Ministers consider relevant to the needs                           of victims.                  

(3)Subsection (4) applies where—                  

(a)a competent authority, other than the Scottish Ministers, receives a request for translation of the Victims’ Code for Scotland                           by virtue of section 3F and transmits that request to the Scottish Ministers, or                  

(b)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, and who does not understand or speak                           English, requests that the Scottish Ministers translate the Victims’ Code for Scotland into a language which that person understands.                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers must—                  

(a)translate the Code into the language required by the authority or, as the case may be, the person, and                  

(b)provide a copy of the translated Code to the authority or, as the case may be, the person.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers must keep the Victims’ Code for Scotland under review and may modify it from time to time.                  

(6)Where under subsection (5) the Scottish Ministers modify the Victims’ Code for Scotland they must publish the modified Code.                  

### 3C.Victims’ right to receive informationS

(1)The chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must ensure that, as soon as reasonably practicable after a constable                           identifies a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, a constable informs the                           person that the person may request, from any competent authority—                  

(a)a copy of the Victims’ Code for Scotland, and                  

(b)information relating to the rights of victims.                  

(2)Subsection (3) applies where a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence requests                           from a competent authority a copy of the Victims’ Code for Scotland.                  

(3)As soon as reasonably practicable after the request is made, the authority must—                  

(a)provide the person with a copy of the Code, or                  

(b)advise the person where a copy of the Code may be obtained.                  

(4)Subsection (5) applies where a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence requests                           from a competent authority information relating to the rights of victims.                  

(5)As soon as reasonably practicable after the request is made, the authority must—                  

(a)provide the person with such information held by, or accessible to, the authority which the authority considers relevant to                           the request, and                  

(b)provide the person with contact details for any other competent authority which the authority considers may hold or be able                           to access information relevant to the request.                  

(6)Where, by virtue of this section, a competent authority is to provide a person with a copy of the Victim’s Code for Scotland                           or information relating to the rights of victims, the authority may do so by such means as the authority considers appropriate                           having regard to the needs of the person.                  

(7)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a constable or                           a member of police staff is deemed to be a request made to the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and                  

(b)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a procurator fiscal                           is deemed to be a request made to the Lord Advocate.                  

## Provision of support to victimsS

### 3D.Referral to providers of victim support servicesS

(1)The chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must ensure that, as soon as reasonably practicable after a constable                           identifies a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, a constable informs the                           person that—                  

(a)the person may request a referral to providers of victim support services from any competent authority, and                  

(b)the person may contact providers of victim support services directly without referral.                  

(2)Where a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence makes a request of a competent                           authority to be referred to providers of victim support services, the authority must, subject to the views of the person—                  

(a)disclose the person’s details to such providers of victim support services as the authority considers appropriate to the person’s                           needs, or                  

(b)provide the person with the name, address and telephone number of the providers of victim support services referred to in                           paragraph (a).                  

(3)Subsections (1) and (2) apply in relation to a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged                           offence regardless of whether or not the person has made a complaint about that offence or alleged offence.                  

(4)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a constable or                           a member of police staff is deemed to be a request made to the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and                  

(b)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a procurator fiscal                           is deemed to be a request made to the Lord Advocate.                  

(5)In this section, “victim support services” means the provision of—                  

(a)information, advice and support to victims including information on compensation for criminal injuries, and the participation                           of victims in criminal proceedings,                  

(b)information about any relevant specialist support services in place,                  

(c)emotional and, where available, psychological support,                  

(d)advice relating to financial and practical issues arising from the crime,                  

(e)advice relating to the risk and prevention of—                  

(i)secondary and repeat victimisation,                  

(ii)intimidation, and                  

(iii)retaliation, and                  

(f)such other services as a competent authority considers appropriate to the needs of victims.]                  

## [F4Assistance to communicateS

Textual Amendments

F4Ss. 3E, 3F and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **5**

### 3E.Victims’ right to understand and be understoodS

(1)Subsection (2) applies in relation to any contact—                  

(a)between a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence and a competent authority,                           and                  

(b)which is for the purposes of a relevant function.                  

(2)The authority must take such measures as the authority considers appropriate in order to assist the person—                  

(a)to understand the information given to the person by the authority, and                  

(b)to be understood in the person’s interaction with the authority.                  

(3)Subsection (4) applies in relation to any communication, in any form—                  

(a)between a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence and a competent authority,                           and                  

(b)which is for the purposes of a relevant function.                  

(4)The authority must ensure that communications—                  

(a)are as clear and easy to understand as possible, and                  

(b)take into account any personal characteristics of the person which may affect the person’s ability to understand the communication                           and be understood in responding to the communication.                  

(5)Subsection (6) applies in relation to the first contact—                  

(a)between a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence and a competent authority,                           and                  

(b)which is for the purposes of a relevant function.                  

(6)Where the authority considers that the person requires assistance to communicate, the authority must allow the person to be                           assisted by someone of the person’s choice unless—                  

(a)the authority considers that such assistance would be contrary to the interests of the person or prejudicial to any criminal                           proceedings, or                  

(b)the assistance is required for the purposes of the person giving evidence at a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings.                  

(7)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)any contact between a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence (V) and a constable                           or a member of police staff is deemed to be contact between V and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,                  

(b)any contact between V and a procurator fiscal is deemed to be contact between V and the Lord Advocate,                  

(c)any communication between a constable or a member of police staff and V is deemed to be communication between the chief constable                           of the Police Service of Scotland and V, and                  

(d) any communication between a procurator fiscal and V is deemed to be communication between the Lord Advocate and V.                  

(8)In this section—                  
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “a relevant function” is—                          (a)
in the case of the Lord Advocate, any function relating to the investigation and prosecution of crime,                                 
(b)
in the case of the Scottish Ministers, any function conferred on the Scottish Ministers under this Act or section 16, 17 or                                       17A of the 2003 Act,                                 
(c)
in the case of any other competent authority, any function.                                 
 

### 3F.Victims’ right to interpretation and translationS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, and who                           does not understand or speak English, makes a request to a competent authority for an interpreter for the purposes of—                  

(a)being interviewed or questioned by a competent authority in the course of a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings                           in relation to the offence or alleged offence (other than at a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings), or                  

(b)making a complaint about the offence or alleged offence.                  

(2)The authority must ensure that the person is provided with an interpreter in order to enable the person to—                  

(a)understand any questions being asked by the authority,                  

(b)understand any information being given to the person,                  

(c)give answers and provide information which the authority can understand, and                  

(d)otherwise communicate effectively with the authority.                  

(3)Subsection (4) applies where—                  

(a)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, and who does not understand or speak                           English, has been cited by a prosecutor to give evidence at, or for the purposes of, a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings                           in relation to the offence or alleged offence, and                  

(b)the person has made a request to the prosecutor for an interpreter for the purposes of that hearing.                  

(4)The prosecutor must ensure that the person is provided with an interpreter in order to enable the person to—                  

(a)understand the questions being asked,                  

(b)understand any information being given to the person,                  

(c)give answers which the court can understand, and                  

(d)otherwise communicate effectively with the court.                  

(5)Subsection (6) applies where—                  

(a)information is to be provided by a competent authority to a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence                           or alleged offence, and who does not understand or speak English,                  

(b)the information is to be provided for the purposes of a relevant function,                  

(c)the information—                  

(i)is considered by the competent authority to be essential to the person’s participation in the criminal investigation or criminal                           proceedings in relation to the offence or alleged offence, or                  

(ii)must be provided by the competent authority to the person under any enactment, and                  

(d)the person has requested that the information is translated into a language which the person understands.                  

(6)The authority must ensure that the information is translated (either orally or in writing) into a language which the person                           understands.                  

(7)In considering whether information is essential for the purposes of subsection (5)(c)(i), the competent authority must take                           into account the views of the person to whom the information is to be provided.                  

(8)Interpretation or translation provided to a person under this section must be provided free of charge.                  

(9)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a constable or                           a member of police staff is deemed to be a request made to the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and                  

(b)a request made by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence to a procurator fiscal                           is deemed to be a request made to the Lord Advocate.                  

(10)In this section—                  
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “prosecutor” means Lord Advocate, Crown Counsel or procurator fiscal,                         
          -  “a relevant function” is—                          (a)
in the case of the Lord Advocate, any function relating to the investigation and prosecution of crime,                                 
(b)
in the case of the Scottish Ministers, any function conferred on the Scottish Ministers under this Act or section 16, 17 or                                       17A of the 2003 Act,                                 
(c)
in the case of any other competent authority, any function.]                                 
 

## [F5Acknowledgement of complaintsS

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 3G and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **6**

### 3G.Written acknowledgement of complaintsS

(1)This section applies where a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence makes a                           complaint about the offence or alleged offence to a constable.                  

(2)The chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must ensure that, as soon as reasonably practicable after the complaint                           is made, the person is provided with written acknowledgement of the complaint which states the basic elements of the offence                           or alleged offence complained of.                  

(3)Written acknowledgement of a complaint may be given by such means as the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland                           considers appropriate.]                  

## [F6Reimbursement of expensesS

Textual Amendments

F6S. 3H and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **7**

### 3H.Victims’ right to reimbursement of expensesS

(1)The Lord Advocate must establish a process for the reimbursement of relevant expenses.                  

(2)The Lord Advocate must make and publish guidance about the process established under subsection (1).                  

(3)The Lord Advocate must keep the guidance published under subsection (2) under review and may modify it from time to time.                  

(4)Where, under subsection (3), the Lord Advocate modifies the guidance published under subsection (2), the Lord Advocate must                           publish the modified guidance.                  

(5)In this section—                  
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “relevant expenses” means the reasonable expenses incurred—                          (a)
by a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, and                                 
(b)
which are as a result of the person’s participation in a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings in relation to the offence                                       or alleged offence.]                                 
 

## [F7Return of propertyS

Textual Amendments

F7S. 3I and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **8**

### 3I.Victims’ right to return of propertyS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where the property of a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged                           offence—                  

(a)has been seized in the course of a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings in relation to the offence or alleged offence,                           and                  

(b)is being held by a competent authority.                  

(2)The authority must arrange for the property to be returned to the person—                  

(a)where the property is no longer required for the purposes of the criminal investigation or criminal proceedings, and                  

(b)the authority is satisfied that there is no other reason to retain the property.                  

(3)The Lord Advocate and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must jointly make and publish guidance about the                           process by which property is to be returned under subsection (2).                  

(4)The Lord Advocate and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must jointly keep the guidance published under                           subsection (3) under review and may jointly modify it from time to time.                  

(5)Where under subsection (4) the Lord Advocate and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland jointly modify the                           guidance published under subsection (3) the Lord Advocate and the chief constable must jointly publish the modified guidance.]                  

## [F8Offences committed in another Member StateS

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 3J and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **9**

### 3J.Offences committed in another Member StateS

Where—                  

(a) a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence committed in a Member State of the                           EU other than the United Kingdom makes a complaint about that offence to a constable, and                   

(b)criminal proceedings for that offence or alleged offence cannot be raised in Scotland,                  

the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must ensure that the complaint is transmitted without undue delay to                        the appropriate authority of the Member State in which the offence or alleged offence was committed.]                  

## Rules: review of decision not to prosecuteS

### 4Rules: review of decision not to prosecuteS

(1)The Lord Advocate must make and publish rules about the process for reviewing, on the request of a person who is or appears                        to be a victim in relation to an offence [F9or alleged offence], a decision of the prosecutor not to prosecute a person for the offence [F10or alleged offence].                  

(2)Rules under subsection (1) may in particular make provision for or in connection with—                  

(a)the circumstances in which reviews may be carried out,                  

(b)the manner in which a request for review must be made,                  

(c)the information that must be included in a request for review,                  

(d)the matters to be taken into account by the Lord Advocate when carrying out reviews,                  

(e)the process to be followed by the Lord Advocate when carrying out reviews.                  

(3)In this section, “prosecutor” means Lord Advocate, Crown Counsel or procurator fiscal.                  

Textual Amendments

F9Words in s. 4(1) inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **10(a)**

F10Words in s. 4(1) inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **10(b)**

Commencement Information

I5S. 4 in force at 1.7.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/200, **art. 2(1)**

## Restorative justiceS

### 5Restorative justiceS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance about—                  

(a)the referral of a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence [F11or alleged offence] and a person who has or is alleged to have committed the offence [F12or alleged offence] to restorative justice services, and                  

(b)the provision of restorative justice services to those persons.                  

(2)Any person, or description of person, prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by order must have regard to any guidance issued                        by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (1).                  

(3)In this section, “restorative justice services” means any process in which the persons such as are mentioned in subsection (1)(a) participate with a view to resolving any                        matter arising from the offence or alleged offence with the assistance of a person who is unconnected with either person or                        the offence or alleged offence.                  

(4)An order under subsection (2) is subject to the negative procedure.                  

## Disclosure of informationS

### 6Disclosure of information about criminal proceedingsS

(1)A person mentioned in subsection (2) (a “requester”) may at any time request a qualifying person to disclose to the requester                        qualifying information in relation to an offence or alleged offence and any criminal investigation or criminal proceedings                        relating to it.                  

(2)The persons are—                  

(a)a person who appears to be a victim of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(b)in the case where the death of a person mentioned in paragraph (a) was (or appears to have been) caused by the offence or                        alleged offence, a prescribed relative of the person,                  

(c)a person who is to give, or is likely to give, evidence in criminal proceedings which have been, or are likely to be, instituted                        against a person in respect of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(d)a person who has given a statement in relation to the offence or alleged offence to a constable or the prosecutor.                  

(3)Where a request is made under subsection (1), the qualifying person must disclose to the requester any qualifying information                        which the person holds.                  

(4)In the case where the qualifying information falls within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (7), a qualifying person                        must not comply with a request under subsection (1) in so far as disclosure of the qualifying information would require disclosure                        of information supplied by a Minister of the Crown or a department of the Government of the United Kingdom that is held in                        confidence by the person.                  

(5)A qualifying person need not comply with a request under subsection (1) in so far as the qualifying person considers that                        it would be inappropriate to disclose any qualifying information.                  

(6)In this section—                  
          -  “prescribed” means prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by order,                         
          -  “qualifying information” means information that—                          (a)
falls within subsection (7),
(b)
relates to the offence or alleged offence, and
(c)
is specified in the request under subsection (1),
 
          -  “qualifying person” means—                          (a)
the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,
(b)
a prosecutor (as defined in section 307(1) of the 1995 Act),
(c)
the Scottish Court Service.
 

(7)Information falls within this subsection if it is—                  

(a)a decision not to proceed with a criminal investigation and any reasons for it,                  

(b)a decision to end a criminal investigation and any reasons for it,                  

(c)a decision not to institute criminal proceedings against a person and any reasons for it,                  

(d)the place in which a trial is to be held,                  

(e)the date on which and time at which a trial is to be held,                  

(f)the nature of charges libelled against a person,                  

(g)the place in which the hearing of an appeal arising from a trial is to be held,                  

(h)the date on which and time at which the hearing of an appeal arising from a trial is to be held,                  

(i)the stage that criminal proceedings have reached,                  

(j)the final decision of a court in a trial or any appeal arising from a trial, and any reasons for it.                  

(8)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify—                  

(a)the definition of “qualifying person” in subsection (6),                  

(b)subsection (7).                  

(9)An order under—                  

(a)subsection (2)(b) is subject to the negative procedure,                  

(b)subsection (8) is subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

Commencement Information

I6S. 6 in force at 13.8.2014 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.**

I7S. 6(1)-(6) (8) (9) in force at 30.1.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.**

I8S. 6(7)(a)-(c) in force at 30.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.**

I9S. 6(7)(d)-(j) in force at 30.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/359, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 1(3))

## InterviewsS

### 7Interviews with children: guidanceS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where the persons mentioned in subsection (3) are jointly carrying out an interview with a child in                        relation to—                  

(a)criminal proceedings which have been instituted against some other person, or                  

(b)a matter which might result in criminal proceedings being instituted against some other person.                  

(2)The persons must have due regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers about the carrying out of interviews with                        a child in relation to those matters.                  

(3)The persons are—                  

(a)a constable,                  

(b)a social worker (as defined in section 77 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001).                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify subsection (3).                  

(5)An order under subsection (4) is subject to the negative procedure.                  

(6)In this section, “child” means a person under 18 years of age.                  

Commencement Information

I10S. 7 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 3)

### 8Certain offences: victim's right to specify gender of interviewerS

(1)This section applies where an investigating officer intends to carry out a relevant interview with a person who is or appears                        to be the victim of an offence [F13or alleged offence] of a type mentioned in subsection (5).                  

(2)Before the relevant interview takes place, the investigating officer must give the person who is to be interviewed the opportunity                        to specify the gender of the investigating officer who is to carry out the interview.                  

(3)If the person who is to be interviewed specifies a gender under subsection (2), the relevant interview may be carried out                        only by an investigating officer of that gender.                  

(4)The investigating officer need not comply with subsection (2) if—                  

(a)complying with it would be likely to prejudice a criminal investigation, or                  

(b)it would not be reasonably practicable to do so.                  

(5)The types of offence are—                  

(a)an offence listed in any of paragraphs 36 to 59ZL of Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003,                  

(b)an offence under section 22 of the 2003 Act (traffic in prostitution etc.),                  

(c)an offence under section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (trafficking people for exploitation),                  

(d)an offence the commission of which involves domestic abuse,                  

(e)stalking.                  

(6)Failure to comply with subsection (2) in relation to a particular relevant interview has no effect on any criminal proceedings                        to which the interview relates.                  

(7)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify subsection (5).                  

(8)In this section—                  
          -  “investigating officer” means—                          (a)
a constable, or
(b)
a person of such other description as the Scottish Ministers may by order prescribe,
 
          -  “relevant interview” means—                          (a)
questioning of a person in the course of criminal proceedings which have been instituted in relation to another person, or
(b)
questioning of a person with a view to instituting criminal proceedings against another person.
 

(9)Any reference in this section (other than subsection (10)) to an investigating officer includes a reference to two or more                        investigating officers acting jointly.                  

(10)An order under subsection (7) or paragraph (b) of the definition of “investigating officer” in subsection (8) is subject to                        the negative procedure.                  

Textual Amendments

F13Words in s. 8(1) inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **12**

Commencement Information

I11S. 8 in force at 13.8.2014 by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.**

Prospective

## Medical examinationsS

### 9Certain medical examinations: gender of medical examinerS

(1)This section applies where a person makes a complaint to a constable alleging that the person is the victim of an offence                           listed in any of paragraphs 36 to 59ZL of Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.                     

(2)Before a medical examination of the person in relation to the complaint is carried out by a registered medical practitioner                           in pursuance of section 31 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, the constable must give the person an opportunity                           to request that any such medical examination be carried out by a registered medical practitioner of a gender specified by                           the person.                     

(3)If the person makes such a request, the constable must ensure that the registered medical practitioner who is to (or, but                           for the request, would) carry out the examination is informed of the nature of the request.                     

(4)In this section, references to a registered medical practitioner include references to a person of such other description                           as the Scottish Ministers may by order prescribe.                     

(5)An order under subsection (4) is subject to the negative procedure.                     

## [F14Criminal investigationsS

Textual Amendments

F14Ss. 9A-9C and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **13**

### 9A.Victims’ right to protection during criminal investigationsS

(1)During a criminal investigation into an offence or alleged offence, the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland                           must ensure that—                  

(a)a relevant interview is conducted without undue delay after a complaint about the offence or alleged offence has been made                           to a constable,                  

(b)the number of relevant interviews is kept to a minimum,                  

(c)relevant interviews are carried out only where strictly necessary for the purposes of the criminal investigation,                  

(d)during a relevant interview, the person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to the offence or alleged offence is                           permitted to be accompanied by the person’s chosen legal representative and a person of the person’s choice, unless a constable                           makes a reasoned decision to the contrary, and                  

(e)medical examinations of the person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to the offence or alleged offence are kept                           to a minimum and are carried out only where strictly necessary for the purposes of the investigation.                  

(2)In this section, a “relevant interview” means an interview of a person who is or appears to be the victim in relation to an                           offence or alleged offence conducted or arranged by a constable for the purposes of a criminal investigation into the offence                           or alleged offence.                  

### 9B.Individual assessment of victims in criminal investigationsS

(1)The chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland must ensure that a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation                           to an offence or alleged offence is assessed by a constable in order to determine whether the person—                  

(a)has protection needs, and                  

(b)would benefit from the use of any of the measures listed in section 9C(3) during a relevant interview.                  

(2)The assessment of a person under subsection (1) must be carried out for the purposes of a criminal investigation in relation                           to the offence or alleged offence—                  

(a)as soon as reasonably practicable after a constable identifies that person as a person who is or appears to be a victim in                           relation to the offence or alleged offence, and                  

(b)as soon as reasonably practicable after any material change in the matters specified in subsection (4).                  

(3)For the purposes of an assessment under subsection (1), the following persons must always be considered to have protection                           needs—                  

(a)persons under 18 years of age, and                  

(b)any person who would be a deemed vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 271(5) of the 1995 Act if they were to give                           evidence at, or for the purposes of, a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings.                  

(4)For the purposes of an assessment of a person under subsection (1), the constable must consider—                  

(a)the views of the person,                  

(b)the nature and circumstances of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(c)the nature of the evidence which the person is likely to give,                  

(d)the relationship (if any) between the person and the person suspected or accused of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(e)the person’s age and maturity,                  

(f)any behaviour towards the person on the part of—                  

(i)the person suspected or accused of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(ii)members of the family, or associates, of the person suspected or accused of the offence or alleged offence,                  

(iii)any other person who is likely to be a suspect or an accused in relation to the offence or alleged offence,                  

(iv)any other person who is likely to be a witness in criminal proceedings in relation to the offence or alleged offence, and                  

(g)such other matters as the constable considers to be relevant.                  

(5)For the purposes of this section and section 9C, a person has protection needs if they are vulnerable to—                  

(i)secondary and repeat victimisation,                  

(ii)intimidation, and                  

(iii)retaliation.                  

(6)In this section—                  
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “relevant interview” has the same meaning as in section 9A(2).                         

### 9C.Measures to assist victims in criminal investigationsS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where an assessment of a person under section 9B(1) finds that the person—                  

(a)has protection needs, and                  

(b)would benefit from the use of the measures listed in subsection (3) during a relevant interview.                  

(2)Where this subsection applies, the measures listed in subsection (3) may be used for the purposes of any relevant interview.                  

(3)The measures are—                  

(a)conducting the relevant interview in premises designed or adapted for that purpose,                  

(b)conducting the relevant interview by or through professionals trained for that purpose,                  

(c)ensuring that all relevant interviews are conducted by the same person or persons.                  

(4)The constable who is conducting or arranging the relevant interview must determine which, if any, of the measures listed in                           subsection (3) are to be used having regard to—                  

(a)the needs and views of the person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to the offence or alleged offence,                  

(b)the interests of justice, and                  

(c)any practical constraints on the use of any of the measures in those circumstances.                  

(5)In this section, “relevant interview” has the same meaning as in section 9A(2).]                  

## [F15Protection of victimsS

Textual Amendments

F15Ss. 9D, 9E and cross-heading inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **14**

### 9D.Right to avoid contact between victim and offenderS

(1)A competent authority must take reasonable steps to enable a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence                           or alleged offence, or any of that person’s family members, to avoid contact with the person suspected, accused or convicted                           of the offence or alleged offence during a relevant interaction with a competent authority.                  

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply—                  

(a)where such contact is necessary for the purposes of criminal investigations or criminal proceedings,                  

(b)where the identity of the person suspected, accused or convicted of the offence or alleged offence is not known to the competent                           authority, or                  

(c)in relation to the giving of evidence by any person at a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings.                  

(3)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)an interaction between a person and a constable or a member of police staff is deemed to be an interaction between that person                           and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and                  

(b)an interaction between a person and a procurator fiscal is deemed to be an interaction between that person and the Lord Advocate.                  

(4)In this section—                  
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “a relevant interaction with a competent authority” means any interaction with a competent authority which—                          (a)
is for the purposes of criminal investigations or criminal proceedings, and                                 
(b)
takes place within a police station, prosecutor’s office or court building,                                 
 
          -  “family members”, in relation to a person who is or appears to be a victim, means—                          (a)
anyone who is married to, or is in a civil partnership with, the person,                                 
(b)
anyone who is living together with the person, as if they are married, and has been so living together with the person for                                       a minimum period of 6 months,                                 
(c)
children and step-children of the person and anyone whom the person cares for, as defined in paragraph 20 of schedule 12 to                                       the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010,                                 
(d)
parents and step-parents of the person,                                 
(e)
siblings of the person,                                 
(f)
grandparents and great-grandparents of the person,                                 
(g)
grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the person, and                                 
(h)
where the person is deceased, anyone who was a family member of the person under paragraphs (a) to (g) immediately before                                       the person’s death.                                 
 

### 9E.Victims’ right to protection of privacyS

(1)Subsection (2) applies during any interaction between—                  

(a)a competent authority, and                  

(b)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence or any of that person’s family members,                  

which is for the purposes of a relevant function.                  

(2)The authority must take reasonable steps to—                  

(a)protect the privacy of that person,                  

(b)where that person or family member is a child, prevent disclosure of any information that could lead to the identification                           of the child, and                  

(c)prevent the disclosure of any images of the person or any of the person’s family members.                  

(3)This section is without prejudice to any other obligation placed, or power conferred, on a competent authority, either at                           common law or in any enactment, to—                  

(a)protect the privacy of a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence or that person’s                           family members,                  

(b)prevent the identification of a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence or that                           person’s family members,                  

(c)disclose, or order or permit the disclosure of, any information about a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation                           to an offence or alleged offence or that person’s family members.                  

(4)This section does not apply to the giving of evidence in a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings by—                  

(a)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence, or                  

(b)any of that person’s family members.                  

(5)For the purposes of this section, any interaction between—                  

(a)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence or any of that person’s family members,                           and                  

(b)a constable or a member of police staff,                  

is deemed to be an interaction between that person or family member and the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland.                  

(6)For the purposes of this section, any interaction between—                  

(a)a person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to an offence or alleged offence or any of that person’s family members,                           and                  

(b)a procurator fiscal,                  

is deemed to be an interaction between that person or family member and the Lord Advocate.                  

(7)In this section—                  
          -  “child” means a person under 18 years of age,                         
          -  “family members”, in relation to a person who is or appears to be a victim, means—                          (a)
anyone who is married to, or is in a civil partnership with, the person,                                 
(b)
anyone who is living together with the person, as if they are married, and has been so living together with the person for                                       a minimum period of 6 months,                                 
(c)
children and step-children of the person and anyone whom the person cares for, as defined in paragraph 20 of schedule 12 to                                       the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010,                                 
(d)
parents and step-parents of the person,                                 
(e)
siblings of the person,                                 
(f)
grandparents and great-grandparents of the person,                                 
(g)
grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the person, and                                 
(h)
where the person is deceased, anyone who was a family member of the person under paragraphs (a) to (g) immediately before                                       the person’s death,                                 
 
          -  “a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings” means any hearing in the course of any criminal proceedings in the High Court,                              sheriff court or justice of the peace court in relation to an offence or alleged offence,                         
          -  “a relevant function” is—                          (a)
in the case of the Lord Advocate, any function relating to the investigation and prosecution of crime,                                 
(b)
in the case of the Scottish Ministers, any function conferred on the Scottish Ministers under this Act or section 16, 17 or                                       17A of the 2003 Act,                                 
(c)
in the case of any other competent authority, any function.]                                 
 

## Vulnerable witnessesS

### 10Vulnerable witnesses: main definitionsS

In section 271 of the 1995 Act (vulnerable witnesses: main definitions)—

(a)for subsection (1), substitute—                  

“(1)For the purposes of this Act, a person who is giving or is to give evidence at, or for the purposes of, a hearing in relevant                           criminal proceedings is a vulnerable witness if—                  

(a)the person is under the age of 18 on the date of commencement of the proceedings in which the hearing is being or is to be                           held,                  

(b)there is a significant risk that the quality of the evidence to be given by the person will be diminished by reason of—                  

(i)mental disorder (within the meaning of section 328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003), or                  

(ii)fear or distress in connection with giving evidence at the hearing,                  

(c)the offence is alleged to have been committed against the person in proceedings for—                  

(i)an offence listed in any of paragraphs 36 to 59ZL of Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003,                  

(ii)an offence under section 22 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (traffic in prostitution etc.),                  

(iii)an offence under section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (trafficking people for exploitation),                  

(iv)an offence the commission of which involves domestic abuse, or                  

(v)an offence of stalking, or                  

(d)there is considered to be a significant risk of harm to the person by reason only of the fact that the person is giving or                           is to give evidence in the proceedings.”,                  

(b)after subsection (1), insert—                  

“(1AA)The Scottish Ministers may by order subject to the affirmative procedure modify subsection (1)(c).”,                  

(c)subsection (1A) is repealed,                  

(d)in subsection (2), after “(1)(b)” insert “ or (d) ”, and                  

(e)after subsection (4), insert—                  

“(4A)In determining whether a person is a vulnerable witness under subsection (1)(b) or (d), the court must—                  

(a)have regard to the best interests of the witness, and                  

(b)take account of any views expressed by the witness.”.                  

Commencement Information

I12S. 10 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 11Child and deemed vulnerable witnessesS

(1)In section 71(2XA) of the 1995 Act (first diet), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”.                  

(2)In section 72(6)(b)(ii) of the 1995 Act (preliminary hearing procedure), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”.                  

(3)In section 271(5) of the 1995 Act (definitions for sections 271A to 271M of the 1995 Act)—                  

(a)before the definition of “court”, insert—                  

““child witness” means a vulnerable witness referred to in subsection (1)(a),”, and                  

(b)after that definition, insert—                  
          -  ““deemed vulnerable witness” means a vulnerable witness referred to in subsection (1)(c),”.                         

(4)In section 271A of the 1995 Act (child witnesses)—                  

(a)in subsection (1)—                  

(i)after “child witness”, where it first occurs, insert “ or a deemed vulnerable witness ”, and                  

(ii)the word “child”, where it second occurs, is repealed,                  

(b)in subsection (2)—                  

(i)after “child witness”, where it first occurs, insert “ or a deemed vulnerable witness ”,                  

(ii)for “child”, where it second occurs, substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(iii)in each of paragraphs (a) and (b), the word “child” is repealed,                  

(c)in each of subsections (3) and (4), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”,                  

(d)after subsection (3), insert—                  

“(3A)In the case where a vulnerable witness notice under subsection (2)(a) specifies only a standard special measure, subsection                           (3)(a) does not apply.”.                  

(e)in subsection (5)—                  

(i)for “child”, where it first occurs, substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(ii)in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), the word “child”, in each place where it occurs, is repealed,                  

(f)in subsection (5A)—                  

(i)in paragraph (a), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(ii)in paragraph (b), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”,                  

(g)in subsection (6)—                  

(i)in paragraph (a), after “child witness” insert “ or a deemed vulnerable witness ”,                  

(ii)in paragraph (b), for “child”, where it first occurs, substitute “ vulnerable ”,                  

(iii)in paragraph (b), the word “child”, where it second occurs, is repealed,                  

(iv)in paragraph (c), for “child”, where it first occurs, substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(v)in paragraph (c), the word “child”, where it second occurs, is repealed,                  

(h)in subsection (7)(a)—                  

(i)for “child”, where it first occurs, substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(ii)the word “child”, where it second occurs, is repealed,                  

(i)in subsection (8A)(a)—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (i), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”, and                  

(ii)in paragraph (ii), the word “above”, where it second occurs, is repealed,                  

(j)in subsection (9), the word “child”, in each place where it occurs, is repealed,                  

(k)in subsection (10), the word “child”, in each place where it occurs, is repealed,                  

(l)in subsection (11)(a), the word “child” is repealed, and                  

(m)in subsection (13), for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”.                  

(5)The title of section 271A of the 1995 Act becomes “ **Child and deemed vulnerable witnesses** ”.                  

(6)The title of section 271C of the 1995 Act becomes “ **Vulnerable witness application** ”.                  

(7)In section 271E(1)(a) of the 1995 Act (party considering vulnerable witness notice or application), for “child” substitute                        “ vulnerable ”.                  

(8)In section 271F(2)(a) of the 1995 Act (modifications of section 271 in relation to accused giving evidence as a child witness)—                  

(a)in paragraph (a)(i), for “child witness (except in the phrase “child witness notice”)” substitute “ witness ”, and                  

(b)in paragraph (a)(ii), the word “child” is repealed.                  

(9)In section 288E of the 1995 Act (prohibition of personal conduct of defence in certain cases involving child witnesses under                        the age of 12), in each of subsections (5) and (7) for “child” substitute “ vulnerable ”.                  

Commencement Information

I13S. 11 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 12Child and deemed vulnerable witnesses: standard special measuresS

In section 271A of the 1995 Act (the standard special measures)—

(a)in subsection (14)—                  

(i)in paragraph (a), the words from “where” to the end are repealed, and                  

(ii)in paragraph (c), the words from “in”, where it second occurs, to the end are repealed, and                  

(b)after that subsection, insert—                  

“(15)The Scottish Ministers may, by order subject to the affirmative procedure—                  

(a)modify subsection (14),                  

(b)in consequence of any modification made under paragraph (a)—                  

(i)prescribe the procedure to be followed when standard special measures are used, and                  

(ii)so far as is necessary, modify sections 271A to 271M of this Act.”.                  

Commencement Information

I14S. 12 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 13Objections to special measures: child and deemed vulnerable witnessesS

In section 271A of the 1995 Act (child witnesses)—

(a)after subsection (4), insert—                  

“(4A)Any party to the proceedings may, not later than 7 days after a vulnerable witness notice has been lodged, lodge with the                           court a notice (referred to in this section as an “objection notice”) stating—                  

(a)an objection to any special measure (other than a standard special measure) specified in the vulnerable witness notice that                           the party considers to be inappropriate, and                  

(b)the reasons for that objection.                  

(4B)The court may, on cause shown, allow an objection notice to be lodged after the period referred to in subsection (4A).                  

(4C)If an objection notice is lodged in accordance with subsection (4A) or (4B)—                  

(a)subsection (5)(a)(ii) does not apply to the vulnerable witness notice, and                  

(b)the court must make an order under subsection (5A).”,                  

(b)in subsection (5), for “later than 7” substitute “ earlier than 7 days and not later than 14 ”, and                  

(c)in subsection (13), after “notice” insert “ or an objection notice ”.                  

Commencement Information

I15S. 13 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 14Child witnessesS

(1)In section 271B of the 1995 Act (further special provision for child witnesses under the age of 12), for subsection (3), substitute—                  

“(3)Subsection (4) applies if the child witness expresses a wish to be present in the court-room for the purpose of giving evidence.                  

(4)The court must make an order under section 271A or, as the case may be, 271D which has the effect of requiring the child witness                           to be present in the court-room for the purpose of giving evidence unless the court considers that it would not be appropriate                           for the child witness to be present there for that purpose.                  

(5)Subsection (6) applies if the child witness—                  

(a)does not express a wish to be present in the court-room for the purpose of giving evidence, or                  

(b)expresses a wish to give evidence in some other way.                  

(6)The court may not make an order under section 271A or 271D having the effect mentioned in subsection (4) unless the court                           considers that—                  

(a)the giving of evidence by the child witness in some way other than by being present in the court-room for that purpose would                           give rise to a significant risk of prejudice to the fairness of the trial or otherwise to the interests of justice, and                  

(b)that risk significantly outweighs any risk of prejudice to the interests of the child witness if the order were to be made.”.                  

(2)In section 271A(5) of the 1995 Act (orders authorising special measures), for “271B(3)” substitute “ 271B ”.                  

(3)In section 271D of the 1995 Act (review of arrangements for child witnesses and certain other witnesses), after subsection                        (6), add—                  

“(7)This section is subject to section 271B.”.                  

Commencement Information

I16S. 14 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 15Reporting of proceedings involving childrenS

In section 47 of the 1995 Act (restriction on report of proceedings involving children), in each of subsections (1), (2) and                     (3)(a), for “16”, wherever it occurs, substitute “ 18 ”.                  

Commencement Information

I17S. 15 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.**

### 16Other vulnerable witnesses: assessment and applicationS

(1)After section 271B of the 1995 Act, insert—                  

#### “271BAAssessment of witnesses

(1)This section applies where a party intends to cite a witness other than a child witness or a deemed vulnerable witness to                           give evidence at, or for the purposes of, a hearing in relevant criminal proceedings.                  

(2)The party intending to cite the witness must take reasonable steps to carry out an assessment under subsection (3).                  

(3)An assessment must determine whether the person—                  

(a)is likely to be a vulnerable witness, and                  

(b)if so, what special measure or combination of special measures ought to be used for the purpose of taking the person's evidence.                  

(4)In determining under subsection (3)(a) whether a person is likely to be a vulnerable witness the party must—                  

(a)take into account the matters mentioned in section 271(2),                  

(b)have regard to the best interests of the person, and                  

(c)take account of any views expressed by the person.”.                  

(2)In section 271C(1) of the 1995 Act (citation of vulnerable witnesses)—                  

(a)after “witness”, where it first occurs, insert “ or a deemed vulnerable witness ”, and                  

(b)before “considers” insert “ and, having carried out an assessment under section 271BA, ”.                  

Commencement Information

I18S. 16 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 17Objections to special measures: other vulnerable witnessesS

In section 271C of the 1995 Act (other vulnerable witnesses)—

(a)after subsection (4), insert—                  

“(4A)Any party to the proceedings may, not later than 7 days after a vulnerable witness application has been lodged, lodge with                           the court a notice (referred to in this section as “an objection notice”) stating—                  

(a)an objection to any special measure specified in the vulnerable witness application that the party considers to be inappropriate,                           and                  

(b)the reasons for that objection.                  

(4B)The court may, on cause shown, allow an objection notice to be lodged after the period referred to in subsection (4A).                  

(4C)If an objection notice is lodged in accordance with subsection (4A) or (4B)—                  

(a)subsection (5) does not apply to the vulnerable witness application, and                  

(b)the court must make an order under subsection (5A).”,                  

(b)in subsection (5), for “later than 7” substitute “ earlier than 7 days and not later than 14 ”, and                  

(c)in subsection (11)—                  

(i)after “application”, where it first occurs, insert “ or an objection notice ”, and                  

(ii)after “application”, where it second occurs, insert “ or, as the case may be, the notice ”.                  

Commencement Information

I19S. 17 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 18Review of arrangements for vulnerable witnessesS

In section 271D(1)(a) of the 1995 Act (application for review of arrangements for vulnerable witnesses), for “the party citing                     or intending to cite the witness” substitute “ any party to the proceedings ”.                  

Commencement Information

I20S. 18 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 19Temporary additional special measuresS

After section 271H of the 1995 Act, insert—

#### “271HATemporary additional special measures

(1)The Scottish Ministers may, by order subject to the affirmative procedure, specify additional measures which for the time                           being are to be treated as special measures listed in section 271H(1).                  

(2)An order under subsection (1)                  

(3)An order under subsection (1) must specify—                  

(a)the area in which the additional measures may be used,                  

(b)the period during which the additional measures may be used, and                  

(c)the procedure to be followed when the additional measures are used.”.                  

Commencement Information

I21S. 19 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.**

### 20Special measures: closed courtsS

(1)In section 271H(1) of the 1995 Act (the special measures), after paragraph (e) insert—                  

“(ea)excluding the public during the taking of the evidence in accordance with section 271HB of this Act,”.                  

(2)After section 271HA of the 1995 Act (inserted by section 19), insert—                  

#### “271HBExcluding the public while taking evidence

(1)This section applies where the special measure to be used in respect of a vulnerable witness is excluding the public during                           the taking of the evidence of the vulnerable witness.                  

(2)The court may direct that all or any persons other than those mentioned in subsection (3) are excluded from the court during                           the taking of the evidence.                  

(3)The persons are—                  

(a)members or officers of the court,                  

(b)parties to the case before the court, their counsel or solicitors or persons otherwise directly concerned in the case,                  

(c)*bona fide* representatives of news gathering or reporting organisations present for the purpose of the preparation of contemporaneous                           reports of the proceedings,                  

(d)such other persons as the court may specially authorise to be present.”.                  

(3)In section 271F(8)(a) of the 1995 Act (special measures not applying in relation to a vulnerable witness who is the accused),                        after “271H(1)(c)” insert “ and (ea) ”.                  

Commencement Information

I22S. 20 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 4)

### 21Power to prescribe further special measuresS

In section 271H of the 1995 Act (the special measures)—

(a)in subsection (1), paragraph (f) is repealed,                  

(b)after subsection (1), insert—                  

“(1A)The Scottish Ministers may, by order subject to the affirmative procedure—                  

(a)modify subsection (1),                  

(b)in consequence of any modification made under paragraph (a)—                  

(i)prescribe the procedure to be followed when special measures are used, and                  

(ii)so far as is necessary, modify sections 271A to 271M of this Act.”, and                  

(c)subsection (2) is repealed.                  

Commencement Information

I23S. 21 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.**

### 22Vulnerable witnesses: civil proceedingsS

In section 11(1) of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 (vulnerable witnesses: civil proceedings)—

(a)in paragraph (a), for “16” substitute “ 18 ”,                  

(b)the word “or” immediately after that paragraph is repealed, and                  

(c)after paragraph (b), insert “, or                   

(c)the person is of such description or is a witness in such proceedings as the Scottish Ministers may by order subject to the                           affirmative procedure prescribe.”.                  

Commencement Information

I24S. 22 in force at 1.9.2015 with effect in accordance with art. 1(4) by S.S.I. 2015/200, art. 2(2), **Sch.** (with art. 5)

## Victim statementsS

### 23Victim statementsS

(1)Section 14 of the 2003 Act (victim statements) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (7).                  

(2)In subsection (5)—                  

(a)in paragraph (a)—                  

(i)after “when”, insert “ or after ”, and                  

(ii)after “offence”, insert “ but before sentence is imposed ”,                  

(b)in paragraph (b)—                  

(i)after “when”, insert “ or after ”, and                  

(ii)after “offence”, insert “ but before sentence is imposed ”.                  

(3)In subsection (6)(b)—                  

(a)in sub-paragraph (i), after “subsection (10)” insert “ (taking no account of qualifying persons who have not attained the age of 12 years) ”,                  

(b)the word “or” immediately after sub-paragraph (i) is repealed,                  

(c)sub-paragraph (ii) is repealed, and                  

(d)after that sub-paragraph, the words “or as the case may be to the child” are repealed.                  

(4)In subsection (8)—                  

(a)for “neither” substitute “ not ”, and                  

(b)the words “nor a child such as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (ii) of that paragraph” are repealed.                  

(5)After subsection (11), insert—                  

“(11A)Where a child who has not attained the age of 12 years has (but for this subsection) the opportunity to make a statement by                           virtue of subsection (2), (3) or (6)(a)(i)—                  

(a)any statement made by virtue of the subsection must instead be made by a carer of the child, but                  

(b)those subsections otherwise apply as if references in them to a person and to the maker of a statement are to the child.                  

(11B)For the purposes of subsection (11A), “carer of the child” means—                  

(a)a person who cared for the child when the offence (or apparent offence) was perpetrated,                  

(b)a person who cares for the child when the statement is made,                  

(c)a person who has cared for the child at any other time.                  

(11C)If more than one person comes within the meaning of “carer of the child” the persons may agree which carer is to make the                           statement after, so far as practicable and having regard to the age and maturity of the child—                  

(a)giving the child an opportunity to express any views on which carer is to make the statement, and                  

(b)taking account of any views expressed by the child.                  

(11D)If no agreement is reached in accordance with subsection (11C)—                  

(a)the statement may be made by each person coming within the description in subsection (11B)(a), and                  

(b)if there is no such person, the statement may be made by each person coming within the description in subsection (11B)(b).                  

(11E)In subsection (11B), the expressions “cared for” and “cares for” are to be construed in accordance with the definition of                           “someone who cares for” in paragraph 20 of schedule 12 to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.”.                  

(6)In subsection (12)(a)—                  

(a)for “subsection (6)(b)(ii)” substitute “ this section ”, and                  

(b)for “there” substitute “ in any part of this section ”.                  

(7)After subsection (12), insert—                  

“(13)A victim statement, or a statement made by virtue of subsection (3) in relation to a victim statement, may be made in such                           form and manner as may be prescribed.                  

(14)An order under subsection (13) may—                  

(a)include such incidental, supplementary or consequential provision as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate,                  

(b)modify any enactment (including this Act).                  

(15)An order under subsection (13) may be made so as to have effect for a period specified in the order.                  

(16)An order under subsection (13) containing provision of the type mentioned in subsection (15) may provide that its provisions                           are to apply only in relation to one or more areas specified in the order.”.                  

(8)Section 16 of the 2003 Act (victim's right to receive information concerning release etc. of offender) is amended in accordance                        with subsections (9) to (13).                  

(9) In subsection (5)—                  

(a)in paragraph (a)—                  

(i)after “person”, insert “ to be given the information ”, and                  

(ii)after “Act”, insert “ (except that, in the case where a qualifying person is a child who has not attained the age of 12 years, paragraph (a)(i)                           of the said section 14(6) is to be construed as if the reference to the qualifying person were to a person who cares for the                           child) ”,                  

(b)in paragraph (b)(ii)—                  

(i)after “child”, insert “ who has not attained the age of 12 years ”,                  

(ii)the words from “such” to “paragraph (b)” are repealed,                  

(iii)after “person” insert “ to be given the information ”, and                  

(iv)for the words from “mentioned”, where it second occurs, to “cares”,” substitute “ references to the person who cares for the child ”,                  

(c)in paragraph (b)(i), after “sub-paragraph”, where it second occurs, insert “ (taking him to be the person “afforded an opportunity”) ”, and                  

(d)in paragraph (b) the words “(taking him to be the person “afforded an opportunity”)” are repealed.                  

(10)In subsection (6)—                  

(a)for “and (8) to (12)” substitute “ to (11) ”, and                  

(b)after “relation to”, where it first occurs, insert “ paragraphs (a) and (b)(i) of ”.                  

(11)Subsection (7) is repealed.                  

(12)In subsection (8), for “(7)” substitute “ (5)(a) and (b)(ii) ”.                  

(13)After subsection (8), add—                  

“(9)The Scottish Ministers may by order amend this section by substituting for—                  

(a)the person for the time being specified in any part of this section to whom information may be made available such other person                           as they think fit,                  

(b)the age for the time being specified in any part of this section such other age as they think fit.”.                  

(14)In section 88(2) of the 2003 Act (orders), at the beginning of paragraph (b) insert “ 14(13) or ”.                  

Commencement Information

I25S. 23(1)-(6) in force at 13.8.2014 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

I26S. 23(8)-(13) in force at 13.8.2014 by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

## SentencingS

Prospective

### 24Duty to consider making compensation orderS

In section 249 of the 1995 Act (compensation order against convicted person), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)In any case where it would be competent for the court to make a compensation order, the court must consider whether to make                              a compensation order.                     

(4B)Before making a compensation order, the court must take steps to ascertain the views and wishes of the victim.                     

(4C)No compensation order may be made where the victim notifies the court that the victim does not wish to receive compensation                              from the person convicted of the offence.                     

(4D)For the purposes of subsections (4B) and (4C), “victim” has the meaning given by subsections (1A) and (1C).”.                     

### 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  

### 26Victim surchargeS

After section 253E of the 1995 Act (inserted by section 25), insert—

#### “Victim surchargeS

##### 253FVictim surcharge

(1)This section applies where—                  

(a)a person (“P”) is convicted of an offence other than an offence, or offence of a class, that is prescribed by regulations                           by the Scottish Ministers,                  

(b)the court does not make a restitution order, and                  

(c)the court imposes a sentence, or sentence of a class, that is so prescribed.                  

(2)Except in such circumstances as may be prescribed by regulations by the Scottish Ministers, the court, in addition to dealing                           with P in any other way, must order P to pay a victim surcharge of such amount as may be so prescribed.                  

(3)Despite subsection (2), if P is convicted of two or more offences in the same proceedings, the court must order P to pay only                           one victim surcharge in respect of both or, as the case may be, all the offences.                  

(4)Any sum paid in respect of a victim surcharge is to be paid to the clerk of any court or any other person (or class of person)                           authorised by the Scottish Ministers for the purpose.                  

(5)Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases and in particular may include provision—                  

(a)prescribing different amounts for different descriptions of offender,                  

(b)prescribing different amounts for different circumstances.                  

(6)Where provision is made by virtue of subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for determining                           which victim surcharge is payable in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3).                  

(7)Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

##### 253GThe Victim Surcharge Fund

(1)A person to whom any sum is paid under section 253F(4) in respect of a victim surcharge must pay the sum to the Scottish Ministers.                  

(2)The Scottish Ministers must pay any sum received by virtue of subsection (1) into a fund to be known as the Victim Surcharge                           Fund.                  

(3)The Scottish Ministers must establish, maintain and administer the Victim Surcharge Fund for the purpose of securing the provision                           of support services for persons who are or appear to be the victims of crime and prescribed relatives of such persons.                  

(4)Any payment out of the fund may be made only to—                  

(a)a person who is or appears to be the victim of crime,                  

(b)a prescribed relative of a person who is or appears to be the victim of crime,                  

(c)a person who provides or secures the provision of support services for persons who are or appear to be victims of crime, or                  

(d)the Scottish Ministers or, with the consent of the Scottish Ministers, a person specified by order by virtue of subsection                           (5) in respect of outlays incurred in administering the fund.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers may delegate to such person as they may specify by order the duties imposed on them by subsection (3)                           of establishing, maintaining and administering the Victim Surcharge Fund.                  

(6)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the administration of the Victim Surcharge Fund including                           provision for or in connection with—                  

(a)the making of payments out of the fund,                  

(b)the keeping of financial and other records,                  

(c)the making of reports to the Scottish Government containing such information and in respect of such periods as may be specified.                  

(7)An order under subsection (5) and regulations under subsection (6) are subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

(8)In this section—                  
          -  “prescribed” means prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by regulations,                         
          -  “support services”, in relation to a person who is or appears to be the victim of crime, means any type of service or treatment which is intended                              to benefit the physical or mental health or wellbeing of the person or a prescribed relative of the person.                         

(9)Regulations under subsections (3), (4) and (8) are subject to the negative procedure.                  

##### 253HApplication of receipts

(1)This section applies where the court orders the payment of a victim surcharge in relation to a person (“P”) convicted of an                           offence and also in respect of the same offence or different offences in the same proceedings—                  

(a)imposes a fine and makes a compensation order, or                  

(b)imposes a fine or makes a compensation order.                  

(2)A payment by P must be applied in the following order—                  

(a)the payment must first be applied in satisfaction of the compensation order,                  

(b)the payment must next be applied in satisfaction of the victim surcharge,                  

(c)the payment must then be applied in satisfaction of the fine.                  

##### 253JEnforcement: application of certain provisions relating to fines

(1)The provisions of this Act specified in subsection (2) apply in relation to victim surcharges as they apply in relation to                           fines but subject to the modifications mentioned in subsection (2) and to any other necessary modifications.                  

(2)The provisions are—                  

(a)section 211(3) and (4),                  

(b)section 212,                  

(c)section 213 (with the modification that subsection (2) is to be read as if the words “or (4)” were omitted),                  

(d)section 214(1) to (4) and (6) to (9) (with the modification that subsection (4) is to be read as if the words from “unless”                           to “decision” were omitted),                  

(e)sections 215 to 218,                  

(f)subject to subsection (3) below, section 219(1)(b), (2), (3), (5), (6) and (8),                  

(g)sections 220 to 224,                  

(h)section 248B.                  

(3)In the application of the provisions of section 219 mentioned in subsection (2)(f) for the purposes of subsection (1)—                  

(a)a court may impose imprisonment in respect of a fine and decline to impose imprisonment in respect of a victim surcharge but                           not vice versa,                  

(b)where a court imposes imprisonment both in respect of a fine and a victim surcharge, the amounts in respect of which imprisonment                           is imposed are to be aggregated for the purposes of section 219(2).”.                  

Commencement Information

I27S. 26 in force at 13.8.2014 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.**

## Release of offender: victim's rightsS

### 27Victim's right to receive information about release of offender etc.S

In section 16 of the 2003 Act (victim's right to receive information about release of offender etc.)—

(a)in subsection (1), for the words from “a”, where it first occurs, to “offence)” substitute “ an offence ”, and                  

(b)in subsection (3), for paragraph (d) substitute—                  

“(d)that the convicted person is for the first time entitled to be considered for temporary release by virtue of rules under section                           39(6) of the 1989 Act,”.                  

Commencement Information

I28S. 27 in force at 13.8.2014 by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

### [F1627A. Notification of victims in relation to release etc. of short term prisoners S

(1)Where a person (“A”) is sentenced to imprisonment or detention for a period of less than 18 months in respect of an offence,                           the Scottish Ministers must, if any person who is or appears to be a victim in relation to the offence (“V”) so requests,                           notify V of A’s—                  

(a)lawful release, or                  

(b)escape from prison.                  

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply where the Scottish Ministers consider that there is an identified risk of harm to A if notification                           occurs.                  

(3)Notification for the purposes of subsection (1)—                  

(a)must include—                  

(i)the date of the release or escape, and                  

(ii) in the case of release, any licence conditions which have been imposed on A under the 1989 Act or the 1993 Act for the protection of V,                   

(b)must be given—                  

(i)where the request is made before release or escape, as soon as reasonably practicable after the release or escape occurs,                  

(ii)where the request is made after the release or escape, as soon as reasonably practicable after the request is made.                  

(4)In this section—                  
          -   “the 1989 Act ” means the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 ,                          
          -   “the 1993 Act ” means the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 ,                          
          -   “lawful release” means release under or by virtue of the 1989 Act or the 1993 Act , other than temporary release,                          
          -  “prison” includes a young offenders institution. ]                         

Textual Amendments

F16S. 27A inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **15**

### 28Life prisoners: victim's right to make oral representations before release on licenceS

In section 17 of the 2003 Act (release on licence: right of victim to receive information and make representations)—

(a)in subsection (1)—                  

(i)the words from “be”, where it first occurs, to the end become paragraph (a) of the subsection, and                  

(ii)after that paragraph, add—                  

“(b)if the convicted person is serving a sentence of life imprisonment, be afforded an opportunity to make oral representations                           to a member of the Parole Board for Scotland who is not dealing with the convicted person's case as respects such release                           and as to conditions which might be specified in the licence in question.”,                  

(b)in subsection (4)—                  

(i)after “how” insert “ written ”, and                  

(ii)at the end add “ and how oral representations under that subsection should be made ”,                  

(c)after subsection (10), insert—                  

“(10A)In complying with the duty imposed on them by subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers may fix different times in relation to                           written and oral representations respectively.”, and                  

(d)after subsection (12), add—                  

“(13)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify the description or descriptions of convicted person for the time being specified                           in subsection (1)(b).”.                  

Commencement Information

I29S. 28 in force at 13.8.2014 by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

### 29Temporary release: victim's right to make representationsS

After section 17 of the 2003 Act, insert—

#### “17ATemporary release: victim's right to make representations about conditions

(1)This section applies where by virtue of subsection (1) or (5) of section 16 a person (the “victim”) is given the information                           mentioned in subsection (3)(d) of that section as respects a convicted person.                  

(2)On the first occasion on which the convicted person is entitled to be considered for temporary release by virtue of rules                           under section 39(6) of the 1989 Act, the Scottish Ministers must give the victim an opportunity to make written representations                           to them about any conditions that the victim considers should be imposed in relation to the temporary release.                  

(3)Subsection (2) applies only if the victim has notified the Scottish Ministers that the victim wishes to be given the opportunity                           to make representations under that subsection.                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers must—                  

(a)fix a time within which any written representations under subsection (2) require to be made to them if they are to be considered                           by them, and                  

(b)notify the victim of the time fixed.”.                  

Commencement Information

I30S. 29 in force at 13.8.2014 by S.S.I. 2014/210, art. 2, **Sch.** (with art. 3)

## [F17Child victimsS

Textual Amendments

F17Ss. 29A, 29B and cross-headings inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **16**

### 29A.Exercise of functions where victim is a childS

(1)This section applies where, under section 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 6 or 27A—                  

(a)a competent authority is to exercise a function in relation to, or at the request of, a person who is or appears to be a victim                           in relation to an offence or alleged offence, and                  

(b)the person is a child.                  

(2)If the competent authority considers that it is in the best interests of the child to exercise the function in relation to,                           or at the request of, the child, the function—                  

(a)is exercisable in relation to, or at the request of, the child, and                  

(b)is also exercisable in relation to, or at the request of, the child’s parent if the authority considers that it is in the                           best interests of the child to do so.                  

(3)If the competent authority considers that it is not in the best interests of the child to exercise the function in relation                           to, or at the request of, the child, the function—                  

(a)is not exercisable in relation to, or at the request of, the child, and                  

(b)is instead exercisable in relation to, or at the request of, the child’s parent if the authority considers that it is in the                           best interests of the child to do so.                  

(4)If, for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) or (3)(b), the competent authority considers that it is not in the best interests                           of the child to exercise the function in relation to, or at the request of, the child’s parent—                  

(a)the function is not so exercisable, and                  

(b)the function may instead be exercisable in relation to, or at the request of, such person as the authority considers appropriate                           having regard to the age, maturity, views, needs and concerns of the child.                  

(5)Subsections (2)(b) and (3)(b) do not require a competent authority to exercise a function in relation to a parent of a child                           if, having taken reasonable steps to determine the parent’s whereabouts, the parent’s whereabouts are unknown to the authority.                  

(6)In this section—                  
          -  “child” means a person under 18 years of age,                         
          -  “parent”, in relation to a child, means any person holding parental responsibilities for that child within the meaning of                              the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.                         

## Deceased victimsS

### 29B.Application of Act where victim’s death caused by offenceS

(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), references in this Act to a person who is or appears to be a victim include—                  

(a)where the reference is in relation to any criminal investigation or criminal proceedings, a qualifying relative of a person                           whose death was (or appears to have been) caused by the offence or alleged offence which is the subject of the criminal investigation                           or criminal proceedings, and                  

(b)where the reference is in relation to an offence or alleged offence, a qualifying relative of a person whose death was (or                           appears to have been) caused by the offence or alleged offence.                  

(2)This section does not apply in relation to sections 2, 6, 8, 9D, 9E and 26.                  

(3)Where, by virtue of subsection (1), a function of a competent authority under section 3C, 3D, 3G or 27A is exercisable in                           relation to, or at the request of, a qualifying relative of a deceased person—                  

(a)the function is exercisable only in relation to, or at the request of, a person who is one of the four highest listed relatives                           in the definition of “qualifying relative” in subsection (5), and                  

(b)the competent authority—                  

(i)may decline to exercise the function in relation to, or at the request of, a person who is one of those qualifying relatives,                           if it considers it inappropriate to exercise the function in relation to, or at the request of, that person, and                  

(ii)is not required to exercise the function in relation to a person who is one of those qualifying relatives if, having taken                           reasonable steps to ascertain that person’s whereabouts, that person’s whereabouts are unknown to the authority.                  

(4)For the purposes of determining which relatives are highest listed in the definition of “qualifying relative”, the elder of                           any two persons described in any one of paragraphs (a) to (g) of the definition is to be taken to be the higher listed relative                           regardless of gender.                  

(5)In this section, “qualifying relative” means—                  

(a)anyone who was married to, or was in a civil partnership with, the person immediately before the person’s death,                  

(b)anyone who had been living together with the person, as if they were married, for a minimum period of 6 months immediately                           before the person’s death,                  

(c)children and step-children of the person and anyone whom the person cared for, as defined in paragraph 20 of schedule 12 to                           the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, immediately before the person’s death,                  

(d)parents and step-parents of the person,                  

(e)siblings of the person,                  

(f)grandparents and great-grandparents of the person, and                  

(g)grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the person.]                  

## National Confidential ForumS

### 30National Confidential ForumS

After section 4 of the Mental Health Act, insert—

#### “4ZANational Confidential Forum

(1)The Commission must establish and maintain a committee to be known as the National Confidential Forum (“NCF”) for the purpose                           of carrying out the following functions (referred to in this Act as “NCF functions”)—                  

(a)the general functions mentioned in section 4ZB,                  

(b)the functions conferred on NCF in schedule 1A.                  

(2)Schedule 1A makes further provision about NCF.                  

#### 4ZBGeneral functions of NCF

The general functions of NCF are—                  

(a)to provide means for persons who were placed in institutional care as children to describe in confidence (such descriptions                           being referred to in this Act as “testimony”)—                  

(i)experiences of that care,                  

(ii)any abuse experienced during the period spent in that care,                  

(b)to acknowledge testimony by enabling it to be given at hearings established by NCF or by written or other means,                  

(c)based on testimony received—                  

(i)to identify any patterns and trends in the experiences of persons placed in institutional care as children (including the                           causes, nature, scale and circumstances of any abuse experienced), and                  

(ii)to make recommendations about policy and practice which NCF considers will improve institutional care (including by protecting                           children from, and preventing or reducing the incidence of, abuse),                  

(d)while preserving the anonymity of participants, establishments providing institutional care and other persons, to prepare                           reports of the testimony it receives and its recommendations in relation to them,                  

(e)to provide information about advice and assistance available to persons giving, or proposing to give, testimony.                  

#### 4ZCCarrying out NCF functions

(1)The Commission must delegate the NCF functions to NCF.                  

(2)The person appointed to chair NCF (the “NCF Head”) must account to the Commission for the carrying out of the NCF functions.                  

(3)Subsections (1) and (2) do not affect the responsibility of the Commission for the carrying out of the NCF functions.                  

#### 4ZDModifications in relation to NCF

(1)The following modifications of this Part apply in relation to the NCF functions—                  

(a)sections 5, 6, 9, 9A, 10, 16 and 19 do not apply,                  

(b)in section 17(1), references to the Commission (except in the phrase “Commission Visitor”) are to be read as if they were                           references to NCF,                  

(c)sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 11 of schedule 1A applies in relation to the Commission's annual report mentioned in section                           18(1) as it applies in relation to a report prepared under that paragraph,                  

(d)section 20 is to be read as if after subsection (1) there were inserted—                  

“(1A)For the purposes of the law of defamation—                  

(a)any statement made in good faith by NCF, its members or NCF staff in carrying out any of the NCF functions is privileged,                  

(b)any statement made by an eligible person in accordance with arrangements made by NCF under paragraph 8(2) of schedule 1A is                           privileged.                  

(1B)A word or expression used in subsection (1A) has the same meaning as it has in schedule 1A.”.                  

(2)Section 1 of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 is to be read as if after subsection (8) there were inserted—                  

“(8A)The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland must have a separate records management plan in relation to the public records                           created in carrying out the NCF functions (within the meaning of section 4ZA(1) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment)                           (Scotland) Act 2003).”.”.                  

Commencement Information

I31S. 30 is partly in force; s. 30 not in force at Royal Assent; s. 30 in force for certain purposes at 18.1.2014, see s. 34(1)

I32S. 30 in force at 1.7.2014 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2014/117, **art. 3**

### 31NCF: constitution and operationS

(1)In schedule 1 to the Mental Health Act—                  

(a)in paragraph 2A(1)(b), for “6 nor more than 8” substitute “ 7 nor more than 9 ”,                  

(b)omit the word “and” immediately preceding paragraph 2B(2)(b), and                  

(c)at the end of that paragraph, insert “and                   

(c)one person who has such skills, knowledge and experience as the Scottish Ministers consider to be relevant in relation to                           the carrying out of the NCF functions.”.                  

(2)After schedule 1 to the Mental Health Act, insert—                  

#### “SCHEDULE 1ASNational Confidential Forum

 (introduced by section 4ZA(2))

##### **Part 1**SMembers of NCF etc.

###### MembershipS

1(1)NCF is to consist of—                  

(a)the NCF Head, appointed by the Scottish Ministers, and                  

(b)at least 2 other members, appointed by the Scottish Ministers.                  

(2)The Scottish Ministers must, when appointing a person under sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b), have regard to the recommendation                           of the selection panel mentioned in paragraph 2(1).                  

(3)Each member—                  

(a)is to be appointed for such period as the Scottish Ministers think fit, and                  

(b)holds and vacates office in accordance with the terms of appointment.                  

(4)A member may by written notice to the Scottish Ministers resign office as a member.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as practicable after receiving a resignation notice, inform the Commission of the notice.                  

###### Membership selection panelS

2(1)The selection panel is to consist of—                  

(a)a representative of the Scottish Ministers,                  

(b)the person appointed in accordance with paragraph 2A(1)(a) of schedule 1 to chair the Commission, and                  

(c)other persons of such number and description as may be determined by the Scottish Ministers.                  

(2)The selection panel may recommend for appointment only persons who the panel consider to have such skills, knowledge and experience                           as the panel consider to be relevant to the carrying out of the NCF functions.                  

(3)The selection panel may not recommend for appointment persons who are members of the Commission.                  

(4)The selection panel is to determine the selection process to be applied in determining persons to be recommended for appointment.                  

###### NCF staffS

3(1)This paragraph applies where—                  

(a)the Commission proposes, in accordance with paragraph 7(1)(b) of schedule 1, to appoint a member of staff, and                  

(b)the employment of that person is to relate to the carrying out of NCF functions.                  

(2)The person may be appointed only if—                  

(a)the person has been recommended for appointment by the NCF Head,                  

(b)the terms of the person's appointment would prevent the person from carrying out any other function conferred on the Commission                           during the period when the Commission is required to establish and maintain NCF.                  

###### NCF powers and procedureS

4(1)NCF may do anything which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying                           out of the NCF functions.                  

(2)It is for the NCF Head to determine NCF's procedure, having regard to the views of the other NCF members.                  

(3)In carrying out its functions and in determining its procedure, NCF must have regard to the need to avoid any unnecessary                           costs to public funds, eligible persons and others.                  

(4)The validity of any proceedings of NCF is not affected by—                  

(a)any vacancy in its membership,                  

(b)any defect in the appointment of a member.                  

(5)Members of the Scottish Government and persons authorised by the Scottish Government may not attend or take part in meetings                           of NCF.                  

###### Application of schedule 1 to NCFS

5(1)The provisions of schedule 1 mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) do not apply in relation to NCF.                  

(2)The provisions are—                  

(a)paragraph 7D,                  

(b)paragraph 7E,                  

(c)paragraph 7G.                  

##### **Part 2**SDelegation of functions

###### Delegation by NCFS

6(1)NCF must delegate the NCF functions to the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (3), to the extent determined by the NCF Head.                  

(2)NCF may otherwise delegate the NCF functions to those persons, to the extent determined by NCF.                  

(3)Those persons are—                  

(a)the NCF Head,                  

(b)any other member of NCF,                  

(c)any member of NCF staff.                  

(4)This paragraph does not affect—                  

(a)NCF's responsibility for the delegated functions, or                  

(b)the NCF Head's accountability for the carrying out of the NCF functions under section 4ZC(2).                  

##### **Part 3**SEligibility to participate in forum

###### EligibilityS

7(1)NCF may receive testimony from any eligible person whose application to provide testimony has been accepted by NCF.                  

(2)An “eligible person” is a person who—                  

(a)is 16 years of age or over,                  

(b)was placed in an establishment providing institutional care during the person's childhood, and                  

(c)is no longer in that care.                  

(3)In this schedule “institutional care” means a care or health service which meets the conditions in sub-paragraph (4) and is of a description or type prescribed                           by order made by the Scottish Ministers.                  

(4)The conditions are that the care or health service—                  

(a)was provided to children in Scotland at some time (whether or not the service is still provided),                  

(b)included residential accommodation for the children, and                  

(c)was provided by a body corporate or unincorporated.                  

(5)An order under sub-paragraph (3) may not prescribe a service provided at premises used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling.                  

(6)An order under sub-paragraph (3) is subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

##### **Part 4**SConduct of hearings etc.

###### Testimony given to NCFS

8(1)NCF must make provision for receiving testimony under paragraph 7(1).                  

(2)NCF must make arrangements for testimony to be given—                  

(a)at a hearing established by NCF (a “forum hearing”), or                  

(b)by other means of communication (whether oral or written).                  

(3)Where NCF receives testimony at a forum hearing it must ensure that—                  

(a)at least 2 members of NCF are present while the forum hearing is receiving the testimony, and                  

(b)the forum hearing is held in private.                  

(4)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3), a forum hearing is held in private if the only persons present are—                  

(a)the person giving the testimony,                  

(b)any person accompanying that person whose attendance has been approved by NCF,                  

(c)members of NCF,                  

(d)NCF staff.                  

(5)It is otherwise for NCF to determine procedures for receiving testimony, taking account of—                  

(a)any procedure determined under paragraph 4(2), and                  

(b)the duty in paragraph 4(3).                  

###### Recording of testimonyS

9(1)NCF may record testimony and any other information received from eligible persons in such manner as it thinks fit.                  

(2)NCF must as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any information from an eligible person take such steps as it thinks                           fit to organise the information in such a way as to preserve the anonymity of—                  

(a)the person providing the information,                  

(b)any individual mentioned in the testimony, and                  

(c)any establishment providing institutional care mentioned in the testimony.                  

###### Payment of expensesS

10NCF may require the Commission to pay such expenses as NCF considers reasonable—

(a)to eligible persons, and                  

(b)to persons accompanying eligible persons to forum hearings.                  

##### **Part 5**SReporting

###### Reports by NCFS

11(1)NCF may prepare—                  

(a)reports based on testimony received,                  

(b)reports setting out, in relation to the testimony, matters it identifies and recommendations made by virtue of section 4ZB(c).                  

(2)A report prepared under this paragraph must not identify or include information which creates a real risk of identifying—                  

(a)a person who has been in institutional care during childhood,                  

(b)a person alleged to have experienced or committed abuse,                  

(c)an establishment providing institutional care.                  

(3)Sub-paragraph (2) does not prevent a report from including information which is otherwise in the public domain.                  

(4)It is otherwise for NCF to determine the form and content of a report prepared under this paragraph.                  

###### Annual NCF reportsS

12(1)As soon as practicable after 31 March in each year, NCF must submit to the Scottish Ministers a report on the discharge of                           the NCF functions during the period of 12 months ending on 31 March.                  

(2)NCF must consult the Commission before preparing a report under this paragraph.                  

(3)Sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 11 applies in relation to a report prepared under this paragraph as it applies in relation                           to a report prepared under that paragraph.                  

(4)NCF must send a copy of each report prepared under this paragraph to the Commission.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers must lay before the Scottish Parliament a copy of each report submitted to them under sub-paragraph                           (1).                  

##### ConfidentialityS

###### Disclosure of informationS

13(1)This paragraph applies to—                  

(a)the Commission,                  

(b)a person who is or has been a member of the Commission,                  

(c)NCF,                  

(d)a person who is or has been a member of NCF,                  

(e)a person who is or has been an employee of the Commission,                  

(f)a person who has been given information by a person carrying out NCF functions for the purpose of storing or preserving that                           information.                  

(2)A person must not disclose any information which—                  

(a)has been provided to the person in connection with the carrying out of the NCF functions, and                  

(b)is not otherwise in the public domain.                  

(3)Sub-paragraph (2) does not prevent disclosure of any information by the person in so far as—                  

(a)the disclosure is to another person mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) and is necessary for the purpose of enabling or assisting                           the carrying out by NCF or the Commission of any of its functions under this Act,                  

(b)the disclosure is necessary for the purpose of enabling—                  

(i)NCF to prepare a report in accordance with paragraph 11 or 12, or                  

(ii)the Commission to prepare its annual report mentioned in section 18(1),                  

(c)the disclosure is in accordance with sub-paragraph (4), (5) or (6).                  

(4)A member of NCF must disclose to a constable information received by that member to the extent that it is, in the opinion                           of the member acting in good faith, reasonably necessary to prevent the commission of an offence involving the abuse of a                           child.                  

(5)A member of NCF may disclose to a constable information received by that member to the extent that—                  

(a)it relates to an allegation made by a person who has given testimony that an offence involving the abuse of a child has been                           committed, and                  

(b)it is, in the opinion of the member acting in good faith, in the public interest to do so.                  

(6)A court may order disclosure of information in, or for the purposes of, civil or criminal proceedings (including the purposes                           of the investigation of any offence or suspected offence) if it is satisfied that—                  

(a)the disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice, and                  

(b)the extent of the disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice.                  

##### **Part 7**SGeneral

14In this schedule—
          -  “child” means a person who is under 18 years of age,                         
          -  “childhood” means the period when a person is under 18 years of age,                         
          -  “eligible person” has the meaning given by paragraph 7(2),                         
          -  “forum hearing” has the meaning given by paragraph 8(2),                         
          -  institutional care” has the meaning given by paragraph 7(3),                         
          -  “NCF staff” means persons appointed in accordance with paragraph 3.”.                         

(3)In schedule 2 to the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (specified authorities), before the entry                        for “Accounts Commission for Scotland” (and the italic cross-heading immediately preceding it), insert— “ NCF Head and any other member of the National Confidential Forum established under section 4ZA(1) of the Mental Health (Care                           and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 ”.                  

Commencement Information

I33S. 31 partly in force; s. 31 not in force at Royal Assent; s. 31(2) in force for certain purposes at 18.1.2014 and s. 31(1)(3)                              in force at 18.1.2014, see s. 34(1)

I34S. 31(2) in force at 16.5.2014 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2014/117, **art. 2**

I35S. 31(2) in force at 1.7.2014 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2014/117, **art. 3**

## GeneralS

### 32InterpretationS

In this Act—
          -  “the 1995 Act” means the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995,                         
          -  “the 2003 Act” means the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003,                         
          -  [F18 “ competent authority " means each of the following persons—                           (a)
the Lord Advocate,                                 
(b)
the Scottish Ministers,                                 
(c)
the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,                                 
(d)
the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service,                                 
(e)
the Parole Board for Scotland,                                 
 
          -  “a member of police staff” means a member of police staff appointed under section 26 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland)                              Act 2012,]                         
          -  “the Mental Health Act” means the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.                         
          -  [F19“procurator fiscal” has the same meaning as in section 307(1) of the 1995 Act.]                         

Textual Amendments

F18Words in s. 32 inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **17(a)**

F19Words in s. 32 inserted (23.12.2015) by The Victims' Rights (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/444), regs. 1(2), **17(b)**

### 33Ancillary provisionS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by order make such supplementary, incidental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving                        provision as they consider appropriate for the purposes of, in consequence of, or for giving full effect to, any provision                        of this Act.                  

(2)An order under this section may modify any enactment (including this Act).                  

(3)An order under subsection (1) containing provisions which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act is subject                        to the affirmative procedure.                  

(4)Otherwise, an order under subsection (1) is subject to the negative procedure.                  

### 34CommencementS

(1)This section and sections 30 so far as it inserts the new section 4ZA, 31(1), 31(2) so far as it inserts paragraphs 1, 2 and                        5 of the new schedule 1A, 31(3), 32, 33 and 35 come into force on the day after Royal Assent.                  

(2)The other provisions of this Act come into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by order appoint.                  

(3)An order under subsection (2) may contain transitory or transitional provision or savings.                  

### 35Short titleS

The short title of this Act is the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014.