Scots victims of crime abroad set to receive more help after EU ruling

By GARETH ROSE
Published on 12/09/2012 14:03

SCOTS who are victims of crime abroad will receive more support after a new EU directive was passed in Brussels.

• Scots-designed legislation will give victims of crime access advice and support abroad

• Directive aimed at offering victims of crime same level as support as they would expect at home

The landmark deal will give victims access to advice and support in their own language following a crime in any EU member country.

It was designed in Scotland and should ensure people receive the same support abroad as they would expect in this country.

Alyn Smith, SNP MEP who had led calls for the new law, said: “We’re often asked as MEPs what the EU has delivered for our citizens, well here is a great big pile of delivery!

“As more and more of our citizens view Europe as not foreign but our backyard, taking up rights to live, work, study, retire or travel across the EU, then it is a sad fact that more will be victims of crime when in another country.

“Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough, but when in addition to that the victim has to work with a different police and legal system, a different language and medical system then the stress is compounded further.”

However, he warned more work still needs to be done.

“Crucially, we must properly fund a network of Victim Support organisations to share best practice and advise governments on how best to reform their systems. There is no shortage of expertise in Scotland to help in this task and no lack of enthusiasm either.”