A bill enabling victims of rape and sexual assault to self-refer for forensic examination without having to report a crime could be ‘transformative’, according to Rape Crisis Scotland.

Among proposed changes, the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) Scotland Bill would compel health boards to provide direct access to forensic medical services for victims.

The bill also establishes clear rights for victims to know what will happen with evidence taken from them, evidence that may support any future criminal proceedings.

Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley welcomed the “significant and important” step forward:

“We…believe that when law, this has the potential to transform how forensic services are provided to survivors of sexual violence across Scotland.

"Sexual crimes are fundamentally abuses of power and about taking someone’s control – which is why it is so important and encouraging that this bill recognises and works to counter this by making sure that survivors are in control of procedures and processes around their evidence and property.

“Adopting a trauma-informed approach that focusses on the individual, on their needs and their health care is vital, and an important element of this is moving to using nurses as forensic examiners.

“This is a key development, and one which could make a huge difference.”

Extra cash is being allocated so appropriately qualified and experienced nurses can undertake forensic medical examinations of victims of sexual crime and give evidence in court – currently something only doctors can do.

Eileen McKenna of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland welcomed the move, saying it would “improve access and make a real difference in providing the right care, at the right time following the trauma of rape and sexual assault.”

“Timely access to suitably qualified, experienced and skilled professionals should be a right for anyone who has suffered rape or sexual assault,” she added.

Cabinet secretary for health Jeane Freeman said: “Improving access to healthcare services for victims of rape and sexual assaults is central to our determination to provide sensitive support to those who need it.

“By ensuring the choice to self-refer is available consistently across Scotland, we hope that people who might currently be reluctant to make a police report are encouraged to access appropriate NHS services and get the support they need at a time of significant trauma.”

Highlighting close collaboration on the proposals with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said:

“Scottish prosecutors take crimes of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously. COPFS is committed to contributing to improvement of the criminal justice system.

“I welcome the initiative to develop the nurse sexual offence examiner role, which could enhance the service available to complainers. It will allow us to monitor and evaluate the scheme and seek to establish the role’s viability within the criminal justice system.”