VIA helps those victims, witnesses and nearest relatives eligible for the service by :
- providing information about the criminal justice system
- keeping you up-to-date on key developments in the case that affects you
- helping you get in touch with organisations that can offer practical and emotional support
- discussing any additional support that might help you, for example when giving evidence
- with your consent helping arrange a visit to court for you so that you know what to expect if the case goes to trial and you are to give evidence
Occasionally you may wish or need to meet with the Procurator Fiscal. VIA staff can organise this if it is felt necessary and can be at the meeting if that would be helpful.
It might help you to know VIA staff :
- are not investigators or prosecutors
- cannot decide or influence who is prosecuted for a crime or what they are charged with.
- cannot offer counselling or financial support but can put you in touch with voluntary support organisations in your area.