We have today published the Terms of Reference for a follow-up inspection focusing on how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) communicates with victims of domestic abuse in summary cases and enhanced victim engagement.
In 2024, we published a report on the prosecution of domestic abuse cases at sheriff summary level by COPFS and made 27 recommendations. We recommended that COPFS take immediate steps to ensure victims are receiving basic information about their case, including its outcome, in good time. Our follow-up inspection will consider whether COPFS is providing basic information to victims of domestic abuse at key stages of their case. We will also consider enhanced victim engagement, requirement for prosecutors to telephone, or in some cases meet, victims of domestic abuse at the early stage of summary proceedings.
If you have information or experience of communication with COPFS in summary domestic abuse cases that you would like to share with us, please contact us at: ips@gov.scot
Find out more in our Terms of Reference