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EMMA RITCH LAW CLINIC

A Guide for Victim-Survivors of Sexual Crime

The frist resource of its kind for Scotland, this guide is designed to support victim-survivors by providing accessible and sensitive information about each stage of the High Court Criminal Process:

What we can help with

We provide advice on the criminal justice process in respect of sexual offences.

We have assisted survivors over 18 with advice and representation on a wide range of issues. Examples include:

  • Support around the process for victim’s right to review a decision not to prosecute,
  • Requests by the defence or Crown to access complainers’ sensitive/medical records,
  • Complaints against justice agencies,
  • Appeals against conviction and/or sentence, and
  • Parole

What we do not cover:

We do not provide advice on criminal injuries or applications for criminal injuries compensation. We generally don't provide advice on civil matters. 

Please see information on other organisations that can support you with these areas:

Unsure if your enquiry is covered by the Clinic?  For general enquiries, email emma-ritch-law-clinic@glasgow.ac.uk

Two women on video call. Photo by Christina@wocintechchat on Unsplash.

How to get in touch

We accept client referrals through our partner organisation Rape Crisis Scotland and other organisations working to support survivors of sexual violence.  

If you need legal advice or support, contact the National Advocacy Service at Rape Crisis Scotland who can talk with you about whether your case is suitable for referral. 

Contact the National Advocacy Service

For client-related enquiries, please email emmaritch@proton.me

A meeting between a client and solicitor in a comfortable meeting space

What to expect

Once you have been referred to us for legal advice by your advocacy worker and have contacted us, we will arrange a meeting with one of our solicitors.

We offer meetings in-person at our office in Glasgow and online meetings. It may also be possible to arrange a meeting elsewhere.

We will offer you as much choice as we can around arranging this and there is the option to being someone for support, including an advocacy worker. 

Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful and comfortable environment for victim-survivors and we will do our best to work with you in the best way for you.  

We are guided by the following principles: Confidentiality, Choice, Safety, Trustworthiness and Transparency, Collaboration. 

  • Confidentiality: We offer a private meeting space. Everyone involved with the Law Clinic has signed confidentiality agreements and we respect the sensitivity and privacy of the information that we receive from our clients. Information provided to a solicitor is protected and cannot be shared without your permission. 
  • Choice: We always aim to offer you choice about whether you meet in-person or online, how we communicate with you and other aspects of the experience. 
  • Safety: Our meeting room is a safe space. Client wellbeing is our priority, and clients you can take breaks or end meetings at any time. We offer you the option to bring someone for support (as long as they are not a witness in the case). 
  • Trustworthiness and transparency: On the day a lawyer will discuss your case with you, explain the legal process and provide relevant legal advice. Terms of Business and a Privacy Notice will be issued to you after the meeting.   
  • Collaboration: We work with clients and share information to help empower you to make decisions. We always welcome feedback on how we deliver our legal services.