Rape Crisis Scotland urges clearer timeline and remote access for specialist sexual offence courts

# What happened

# Why the charity is asking for changes

Rape Crisis Scotland's external affairs manager, Nicola Love, said a specialist sexual offence court is needed to provide a proper trauma‑informed response rather than adapting existing court facilities. The charity welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment but said there is insufficient clarity about implementation.

Love highlighted a specific gap in Scotland's current commitments: the option for complainers to view court proceedings remotely. She pointed to the UK Government announcement that specialist courts in England will be equipped to record evidence and allow sentencing to be observed remotely. Rape Crisis Scotland wants Scotland to adopt the same measures.

# How survivors say the process affects them

According to the charity's account, survivors who give evidence are not always able to remain in the courtroom to follow what happens next. Being in the same room as the accused can be intolerable for some complainers. That situation can leave survivors confused about the outcome, particularly when there is an acquittal.

# Official response

A Scottish Government spokesperson reiterated that legislation was passed last year to introduce a specialist Sexual Offences Court as part of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Act. The spokesperson said: "Every victim and survivor deserves a justice system that treats them with compassion and supports them to give their best evidence." The statement did not set out a detailed delivery schedule nor confirm whether secure remote viewing will be included in Scotland's rollout.

# Practical implications and next steps

If Scotland adopts the remote‑viewing and recorded‑evidence features announced by the UK Government, complainers could avoid remaining in court while still having access to the remainder of proceedings. Implementing these features will require technology, secure access controls, and procedural changes so that complainers' rights and privacy are protected.

# Bottom line

Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes the move to specialist sexual offence courts but wants concrete dates and the inclusion of secure remote access so survivors can follow their cases after giving evidence. The Scottish Government confirms the law exists but has not set out a public schedule or confirmed adoption of remote viewing measures announced by the UK Government.