PROPOSALS to put the healthcare needs of sexual offence victims at the forefront of forensic medical services have been endorsed by MSPs in a report issued today.
The Health and Sport Committee’s Stage 1 report follows their consideration of the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill.
The bill puts responsibility on NHS boards to provide forensic medical services to victims of sexual offences. It would also allow victims over the age of 16 to self-refer to NHS facilities and have forensic evidence taken and retained, before deciding if, how and when they want to report the incident to the police.
In welcoming the proposals, the committee supported the bill’s assertion that the individual has a right to decide whether to report an incident to the police.
Members believe self-referral empowers individuals, giving them choice and control around the accessing of medical support, as well as potentially reducing the psychological trauma. However, the committee would like to see the bill strengthened to ensure victims are provided with the information they need when deciding whether to report.
Members say that if information is not readily available on areas such as the length of time evidence is retained, then individuals cannot make an informed choice about if, or when, they involve the police.
The committee also points out that self-referral will only benefit victims if they are made aware it is an option.
Convener Lewis Macdonald said: “Victims of sexual offences should be able to access medical treatment in as simple a manner as possible. Our committee supports this legislation and believes it is a much-needed step forward in putting victim’s needs and rights first, while also improving access to forensic medical examinations.
“This bill empowers victims, placing the decision of whether to report incidents in their hands and this principle is one that is strongly supported by the committee. However, we want to make sure that those who do self-refer are making an informed choice, and providing a statutory right to independent advocacy would assist in achieving this.”
The committee has made several recommendations in the report, including: lThe bill be amended to allow the age limit of self-referral to be altered in future. Although the committee is satisfied with the age limit of 16, it recognises there are legitimate concerns. The Scottish Parliament should therefore have the right to amend this in the future.
lThe bill should focus on the importance of easy access to necessary information, supporting individuals in making informed choices.
lThe proposed legislation be amended to contain a statutory right to independent advocacy to ensure victims can make informed decisions.
lThat there must be a 24-hour, seven-day, forensic medical examination service.
lThat NHS Scotland produces an annual report on the progress and effectiveness of forensic medical examinations.
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