Partnership Working/ Feedback

SCD NPP are committed to supporting victims of rape and serious sexual crime regardless of their geographical area or where the crime took place. A key area of this support is working closely with partner agencies to ensure the victim receives appropriate care. Rape Crisis and the Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) are our key partners in providing an appropriate trauma informed approach to support victims of rape and sexual crime.

Additionally, SCD NPP is committed to the continuous improvement and implementation of a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach in responding to cases of rape and serious sexual offences. Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of victims, as we endeavour to cultivate their trust. To achieve this, SCD NPP utilise anonymous feedback from victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual crime, which is collected through Police Scotland’s website. This feedback is supplemented by insights from Rape Crisis, National Advocacy Service and COPFS as well as lived experience groups of those affected.

Integrating feedback from persons with lived experiences is crucial for ensuring their voices are heard. This engagement is key to shaping training initiatives, informing policy development, and improving service delivery to victims. By prioritising the perspectives of those directly affected, SCD NPP can implement significant enhancements in order to support victims whilst obtaining best evidence.

Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) – Following an amendment to the Information Sharing Agreement with RCS in March 2024 there has been a reduced level of feedback which is being addressed by them, however positive reporting about Police Scotland have remained consistent. From April 2024 – December 2024 86% of survivors of sexual crime that were supported by RCS were positive about their experience in dealing with Police Scotland, this was an increase on 83% from the same period from April 2023.

Lived Experience – SCD NPP are working closely with a group of lived experience victim/survivors who have been through the criminal justice process and who have had a range of experiences that they are willing to share to enhance our understanding of the victim perspective and help shape future policy and practice around witness engagement. Several engagement sessions have taken place to focus on feedback received and how our approach can be improved.

COPFS – SCD NPP are regularly in contact with COPFS to obtain feedback from their perspective on good practice and areas for improvement within Police Scotland. This is fed back through national and local divisions to enhance performance.