More Help as Criminals Pay Towards Victims’ Costs
Organisations that support victims of crime will be able to bid for support from a fund financed by penalties imposed on all offenders who receive a court fine.
Successful applicants will be able to use their share of the £350,000 Victim Surcharge Fund, which is now in its fourth year, to provide direct, practical help to victims. This includes repairing or replacing damaged items, providing replacement clothes for people escaping domestic abuse, or equipment that helps people impacted by crime feel safe.
Since its introduction, over £916,000 has been paid out to 11 organisations supporting victims and survivors of crime, including Victim Support Scotland, Angus Women’s Aid and the Manda Centre – which offers support to people affected by trauma, loss and personal crisis. It applies to all persons who are convicted and receive a court fine for an offence committed on or after the day of it came into force (25 November 2019).
Victims’ organisations interested in applying to the Fund can request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and should apply by the 27 October 2023 deadline.
The Victims Surcharge Fund is an important source of support for victims of crime, with perpetrators rightly contributing financially .
GRAEME
The SNP in government has made Scotland a safer place, but it is also determined to ensure that the needs of victims are at the heart of our justice system.
This fund is just one way in which it is doing so, and I would urge organisations locally to apply.
It has previously helped Angus Woman’s Aid support women in our communities in real need, and we know it will continue to benefit organisations and victims of crime across the country.
While there are less crimes and fewer victims than over a decade ago, the impact on victims, can be devastating. That is why we are investing in law enforcement, crime prevention, and reducing reoffending through a range of activity. And we have invested £93 million over the past five years to support victims and we are committed to putting victims at the heart of the justice system.
MINISTER FOR VICTIMS & COMMUNITY SAFETY, SIOBHIAN BROWN
It is right that convicted criminals pay for the harm they cause and the Victim Surcharge Fund has provided more than £916,000 to help support victims recover from their experience.
I encourage victim support organisations to apply to the Fund so that victims and survivors can continue to access the support and help that they need.
