Criminals Fund Support for Victims wi £1.1 Million Boost

Mair than 12 organisations dedicated tae aidin victims o crime are set tae benefit fae a significant fundin boost o ower £1.1 million, soorced fae penalties imposed on offenders. This initiative, pairt o the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF), aims tae provide essential support tae thae affected by crime, includin bairn victims, survivors o sexual assault, an individuals facin domestic abuse.

Syne its inception in 2019, the VSF has awready assisted ower 5,000 victims, an this latest roond o fundin promises tae extend that rax even further. Offenders that incur court fines are subject tae an additional penalty kent as the victim surcharge, whit is then allocated tae the VSF. Tae date, the fund has distributed a total o £2,446,787 tae various victim support organisations.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown emphasised the profoond impact crime can hae on individuals, statin, “It can cause financial hardship, damage tae property, an ongaun trauma. It is absolutely richt that offenders should pey tae support victims tae recover.” She pynted oot the Scottish Government’s commitment, notin that £93 million has bin invested in victim support ower the past five years.

Amang the organisations receivin fundin are Victim Support Scotland, whit will receive £850,000, an Women’s Aid Sooth Lanrikshire an East Renfrewshire, whit will receive £31,800. Ither recipients include Migrant Help, Dunbarton District Women’s Aid, an the Moira Fund, amang ithers. Ilka organisation will utilise the funds tae provide critical services sic as emergency hoosin, claes, an emotional support.

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive o Victim Support Scotland, remairked on the importance o this fundin, statin, “This fundin will be instrumental in expandin access tae oor Emergency Assistance Fund tae as mony fowk impacted by crime as possible.” The Emergency Assistance Fund has awready provided urgent financial aid for necessities like hoosin an groceries.

Dot Horne, Director o 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, expressed gratitude for the fundin, whit will allou thaim tae swiftly address the needs o young victims. “This fundin will allou us tae respond quickly tae the immediate, practical needs o bairns an young fowk affected by crime,” she said.

Wi this latest allocation, the Victim Surcharge Fund continues tae play a vital role in supportin fowk that hae suffered due tae criminal acts, ensurin that help is available for healin an recovery.