Virtual Reality (VR) To Be Used For Victims And Witnesses In Scottish Courts

The Scottish government is piloting an initiative using virtual reality headsets for witnesses and victims to familiarize themselves with court proceedings. This will ease any discomfort or fear during the process.

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) partnered with CivTech, the first public-sector-focused innovation accelerator, and Impersonal to create a working prototype. The prototype is for the High Court in Glasgow and Glasgow Sheriff Court, with plans for further development and implementation over the next year.

The £500,000 virtual court project will enable individuals to walk through a 3D world before giving evidence. The system uses “cutting-edge” software to create a virtual environment. It comprises videos of the court building where their proceedings will take place. The software also includes illustrations of objects and people the victims and witnesses can expect to encounter in court.

Scottish courts to use VR for victims and witnesses https://t.co/gLvYoPGzXL

— UKAuthority (@UKAuthority) April 17, 2023

Transforming the Court Experience

Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, said that giving evidence can be daunting for victims and witnesses. She added that the unique project using innovative technology could transform the court experience. The project aims to prepare and support victims before attending court.

The project can potentially reduce trauma and anxiety and the need to travel long distances. Victims won’t need to travel long distances to familiarize themselves with the court environment before giving evidence. This will help reduce stress and retraumatization while supporting victims to provide high-quality evidence.

Kate Wallace, the CEO of Victim Support Scotland, strongly advocates for victims to tender evidence remotely and in trauma-informed conditions. The virtual reality experience is accessible through headsets, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Volunteers from Victim Support Scotland will provide the headset. This offers victims more choices and access to prepare for court in a suitable location and time.

The Scottish government has invested over £93 million in the justice budget in the last five years. This investment prioritizes and supports the needs and rights of victims. The Victim Centred Approach Fund finances this commitment, providing £48 million to victims’ organizations.

Featured image from Forbes.com