'Keep crime victims more informed'

VICTIMS of less serious crimes need to be better informed about the outcome of their cases if they do not go court, according to an inspectors' report.

But Scottish Government strategy for improving the treatment of victims is continuing to work, while the emphasis being placed on domestic abuse is having a "positive impact".

Many victims of less serious crimes do not see their case go to court and the report finds that knowledge of their cases remained "too low". This can be because cases may not have sufficient evidence to be dealt with at all or be dealt with by police, fiscal warnings or fines.

Bill Skelly, HM Inspector of Constabulary said: "While much progress has been made, more needs to be done to put the focus back on the victim. People should know what is happening with their case and should also be afforded the right levels of emotional and practical support." This support was inconsistent, the report found.

The inspection of The Scottish Strategy for Victims was conducted jointly by the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland. The report found that although overall progress of the strategy has slowed, its principal direction was correctly focused.