The treatment of victims who are called on to be witnesses in criminal trials will be the subject of discussion today as Solicitor General Elish Angiolini QC leads a workshop at a prestigious international prosecution conference in Denmark.
The Solicitor General has been invited to chair a session on 'Victims as Witnesses' at the 10th annual conference of the International Association of Prosecutors. The conference theme is 'Witnesses, Experts and Victims'
Mrs Angiolini said:
"Giving evidence at court can be a difficult experience for any witness but can be a particularly daunting prospect for victims of crime. It is incumbent upon us as prosecutors to ensure that we are aware of the feelings of victims and do what we can to reduce the anxiety involved.
"In Scotland we have taken measures to tackle the concerns victims can have about the court experience through our Victim Information and Advice service and other joint work with criminal justice partners and support agencies. Taking part in this conference will give us the opportunity to learn more about what steps are being taken elsewhere in the world and share our experiences."
Speakers in the Solicitor General's workshop include prosecutors from England, Australia and South Africa.
The conference began in Copenhagen on 28 August and concludes on 1 September.
Norman McFadyen, Crown Agent, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, is also in attendance at the conference, and is chairing a workshop today on 'Protection for Victims - Co-habitants'.
Notes to Editors
1. The IAP is a non-governmental and non-political organisation. It is the first and only world association of prosecutors. Its membership now comprises more than 1500 individual prosecutors and, as organisational members, 108 associations of prosecutors, prosecuting agencies and crime prevention agencies. Members come from more than 120 countries and represent over 200,000 prosecutors.
2. For more information on the conference visit
www.iapcopenhagen.org
Contact: Communications 0131 247 2669
News Release: NRCRO0016LP
Internet:
www.copfs.gov.uk