Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

30 September 2025

A new bill was recently passed by the Scottish Parliament with the intention of creating a justice system that is more supportive and protective of vulnerable victims and witnesses such as children and young people.  

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed on 17 September and is currently waiting royal assent to become law. When this happens, a number of changes to the justice system will take place.  

These changes will include establishing a Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland, an independent office to promote and support the rights and interests of victims and witnesses; the abolition of the ‘not proven’ verdict, which was previously a possible verdict alongside ‘guilty’ and ‘not guilty’; and the establishment of a new Sexual Offences Court. 

Particularly, the bill contains legislation that will ensure automatic, lifelong anonymity for victims of sexual offenses, and will embed trauma-informed practice in criminal and civil courts. These changes seek to strengthen the support network for victims and witnesses, making engagement with the justice system a safer and fairer experience.  

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said of the bill:  

“This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system. 

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded. 

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement. I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”