Money raised from criminal surcharges is being used to directly support victims of crime, with more than £1 million shared among 19 organisations across Scotland.
Among those receiving funding is Medics Against Violence, a charity working across 10 hospital emergency departments to support people arriving after experiencing violence or exploitation.
The funding comes from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which is financed by penalties imposed on offenders who receive court fines and is designed to provide practical help to victims at the point of need.
For Medics Against Violence, the funding will be used to offer immediate practical assistance and essential items to people arriving at hospital, while also strengthening its Navigator programmes that help individuals make positive changes and connect with community support.
This is the sixth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund since it was established in November 2019, bringing the total amount awarded to date to £3,486,972.
The latest funding allocation was announced by Siobhian Brown during a visit to Medics Against Violence’s Glasgow headquarters.
“It is only right that the people who commit crimes contribute towards helping victims and their families recover from trauma.
“I am pleased that since the first awards were made in January 2021, the fund has helped more than 7,000 people affected by crime, distributing almost £3.5 million in support to organisations that support victims of crime.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund allows organisations such as Medics Against Violence to respond quickly and compassionately by providing practical, immediate help to victims of crime when they need it most.”
David Duncan, Chief Executive Officer at Medics Against Violence, said the funding would directly strengthen frontline support.
“Support from the Scottish Government’s Victim Surcharge Fund will be used directly to strengthen the help we provide to victims of crime through our Navigator programmes.
“This investment enables us to offer immediate practical assistance to people arriving in hospital after experiencing violence or exploitation, short term wellbeing support in the days that follow, and specialist, age appropriate care for children and young people who have been harmed.
“It also allows our Navigators to work alongside victims as they regain stability, advocating for access to housing, mental health services, financial advice, and community support.
“By reducing barriers for those who may feel isolated, frightened, or unsure where to turn, this funding ensures we can respond quickly, compassionately, and in a trauma informed way at the moments when victims of crime are most vulnerable.
“It makes a tangible difference to safety, recovery, and long term wellbeing.”
Victim Support Scotland is also among the organisations receiving support through the fund.
Debbie Adams, Director of Development and External Affairs at Victim Support Scotland, said the funding plays a vital role in emergency support.
“We are extremely grateful to be recipients of the Scottish Government’s Victim Surcharge Fund.
“The VSF ensures that the fines received by offenders go directly towards helping people impacted by crime.
“In Victim Support Scotland’s case, the VSF goes towards our Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides a lifeline for people who are in urgent need of financial help as a result of a crime.
“It can provide life essential things like emergency household goods, groceries, travel to a place of safety, costs to repair damaged items, and security equipment.
“In 2024 to 25, the EAF distributed £538,974 worth of funds to people in need.
“One recipient said the items they received enabled them to safeguard our household, highlighting how this support helps people take back control after experiencing crime.
“This funding will enable us to provide ongoing direct, immediate assistance for those in urgent need.”
The Victim Surcharge Fund continues to channel money from offenders back into communities, ensuring victims receive timely, practical help at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
