Equally Safe consultation: analysis of responses

8. Conclusions

• 8.1. A range of informed stakeholders took part in the consultation. They were typically highly-engaged and knowledgeable about relevant issues, including planning, managing and delivering health or justice services, representing equality issues or supporting victims and survivors.
• 8.2. These respondents shared suggestions, examples and reflections on ways the legislation may improve victims’ experiences of the health and justice system. They endorsed the intention to minimise trauma and support victims’ recovery and engagement with justice processes.  The responses provide a useful evidence base for the Scottish Government to draw upon in the development of the legislation. 
• 8.3. The high-level responses to key consultation questions were positive; a large majority support the introduction of a statutory duty for health boards and advocate for special provisions to be made for children and young people. In and around these overall endorsements of the proposed legislation, many expressed a desire for more detail about monitoring and implementation; for example, national standards, delivery models, funding arrangements and data sharing arrangements. 
• 8.4. Cross-cutting themes included discussion of the needs of children, young people, LGBTI people and people with disabilities. Respondents also called for more detail about how Scotland will deliver equitable and consistent access to forensic medical services, with many comments on the workforce, training needs and suitable premises. Some asked for continued leadership across health and justice to achieve the change; a small number suggested that flexibility would be needed to provide capacity for Scotland to respond to new evidence about best practice, as it becomes available.