Victim Information and Advice (VIA)

VIA is a COPFS service that gives extra information and support to some victims and bereaved relatives during criminal court cases.

Victim Information and Advice (VIA) is provided by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. When a new case is considered, COPFS refers victims who should receive extra support, for example people under 18 or of state pension age, victims of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual crime or stalking, people involved in a jury trial, bereaved relatives in a death enquiry, and others assessed as needing support. VIA explains how the justice system works and gives updates on hearing dates, bail decisions, verdicts and sentences, and why a case is not going ahead. It can apply for special measures for giving evidence, pass the victim's views to the judge about a non-harassment order and arrange court visits. VIA staff are not lawyers and cannot influence decisions.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.