I want to ensure that victims are able to access information about the release of the prisoner in their case if they want to receive it. It is important to bear in mind that providing unwanted or unrequested information can retraumatise victims.
Victims who are already registered with either of the two statutory information schemes will automatically be informed of the release of the prisoner in their case. In cases of emergency release, we have added two further ways of receiving information. Victims can go through one of four named victim support organisations, which can request information about a prisoner’s release on their behalf; alternatively, a victim can contact the Scottish Prison Service directly to receive information about the release date of the prisoner in their case.