Holyrood’s Health Committee says it supports proposals to improve various aspects of medical services for victims of sexual offences.

In a report issued today, MSPs have endorsed the Forensic Medical Services (Scotland) Bill, which requires Scotland’s NHS boards to provide 24/7services for victims.

The bill also allows 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 an incident to the police.

Committee members backed the bill’s assertion that individuals have a right to decide whether to report an incident to the police, giving them choice and control around accessing medical support.

Rape Crisis Scotland previously described the bill as potentially “transformative” for victims and a “significant and important step forward”.

But MSPs say the bill should be strengthened though to ensure victims are provided with all the information they need, including a statutory right to independent advocacy, so individuals can make an informed choice about involving the police.

Proponents of the bill hope provisions that place an obligation on NHS boards to provide services will ensure victims get timely support close to home.

Victims from some of Scotland’s island communities have had to wait to be flown to the mainland before receiving a forensic examination.

Health and Sport Committee Convener Lewis Macdonald says 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, whilst 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.”

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