Victim's rights in Scotland: easy read leaflet

Publication for people with learning difficulties describes how victims of crime should be treated within the criminal justice system, and what information, help and support they should receive.


Your Right to Compensation and Expenses

Payment of expenses

A hand with a pen filling in an expenses form

If you spend money to go to court to give evidence, you have the right to get that money back from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. This is called claiming expenses.

a hand giving money

You can claim expenses for travelling to and from the court and for meals. Cash payments are only made in a small number of cases.

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service logo

You can get more information about expenses from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service or their website.

Court Compensation

An offender paying money as compensation

Compensation is money that you are paid because you are a victim of crime. If the accused says they committed the crime or is found guilty, the court may order them to pay you compensation.

The court will tell you if this happens. If you do not want compensation please tell the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as soon as possible.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

A woman with a bandage round her head and her arm in a sling

If you have been physically or mentally injured because you were the victim of a violent crime, you may be able to get compensation.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority logo

To make a claim, you should contact the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Getting your Property Back

A Police officer giving a box of items to a man

If your property was taken for evidence, it will usually be given back to you by the police. If your property is damaged, you might be asked if you want it back.

Police Scotland logo

You can get more information about the return of property from Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Contact

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