This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Extra support for Cupar crime victims
13/04/2004
Support for victims of crime in Cupar was boosted today
following the extension of the service offered by Victim
Information and Advice (VIA) to include the Cupar area.
VIA is part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal
Service and provides a dedicated service to certain victims
of crime, bereaved next-of-kin and vulnerable witnesses,
offering information and advice about the criminal justice
system in general, specific cases and the range of
practical and emotional support available at a local and
national level.
The service is a Scotland-wide initiative that is
considered the most significant practical development in
assisting victims of crime for over 20 years. Victims,
witnesses and next of kin involved with cases reported to
the Procurator Fiscal in Cupar will benefit from the VIA
service in Fife, which is based at the area office in
Kirkcaldy.
Sue Moody, Director of VIA said:
"The path through the criminal justice system can be
difficult and distressing for victims, bereaved relatives
and vulnerable witnesses. VIA will guide them along that
path showing the way through the system by offering
information and advice to those who need it most."
Area Procurator Fiscal for Fife, Cameron Ritchie
said:
"We are committed to improving the service we offer to
victims and witnesses, and I am pleased that the VIA
service has now been extended to include Cupar. Working
with the experienced staff at Cupar fiscal's office, VIA
will provide valuable support and advice to victims and
witnesses."
Procurators Fiscal in Cupar will refer appropriate
victims of crimes, bereaved relatives and vulnerable
witnesses to the local VIA team for cases from April 13,
2004.
VIA has three principal functions:
- provide information to victims, witnesses and
bereaved next of kin about the criminal justice process
in general.
- keep victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin
informed about the progress of the case that affects
them in particular.
- advise on, and facilitate referral to, other
agencies for specialist support and counselling as
required.
VIA is currently operational in Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Paisley,
Stirling and throughout the Dumfries and Galloway, Grampian
and Lanarkshire areas.
The extension of the service to Cupar is part of a
national roll-out programme that will also see the service
extend to the Fiscal District of Dunfermline later in the
year, which will complete coverage across Fife. VIA will
be available across Scotland by the end of 2004.
The main categories include:
- The next of kin in cases involving deaths where
there may be criminal proceedings, a Fatal Accident
Inquiry, or significant further inquiries.
- Victims in cases of domestic abuse, cases with a
racial aggravation or cases involving sexual
offences.
- Victims in all cases where the nature of the
charges is indicative of solemn proceedings.
- Child victims or witnesses.
- Vulnerable victims or witnesses in any case.
Vulnerability may arise due to an individual's
circumstances or personal characteristics.