SUPPORT services for victims of sex attacks are to be improved.

The first national standards for forensic medical examinations will be backed by £2.25 million funding to help NHS Boards ensure a “consistent service across Scotland”.

Published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), the standards will ensure victims – regardless of age, personal circumstances or geographical location – will experience a high standard of care aims to reduce the likelihood of further trauma.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We know the immediate and long-term physical and psychological consequences of rape can be considerable and we are aware that current services for rape victims may not always be focused on their needs.

“These standards will ensure consistency in approach to healthcare and forensic medical services and will reinforce the high-quality care anyone should expect after experiencing rape or sexual assault. It is our ambition to ensure that person-centred care is provided across both the health and justice system for victims, and improving forensic medical examinations is an important step in this work.”

“We are grateful to people for taking the time to provide their candid feedback when you would expect they would just want to put the whole experience behind them. We want them to know that we have listened and are putting in place actions to make a difference.”