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Pauline McNeill is next.

Thank you very much. With that, I will bring in Sharon Dowey.

We have around 10 minutes left. At this point, I will bring in Pauline McNeill.

Thank you very much. You spoke specifically about defence lawyers. The committee is aware of, and understands, the fact that there is a need for improved trauma-informed practice across the whole criminal justice system, from the point that somebody contemplates making a disclosure to the conclusion of a court case, because the whole justice system could be involved in a case.

I am interested in your views on two things. Do you think that a whole-system shift in trauma-informed practice is essential, rather than there being a piecemeal approach? I am also interested in your thinking around a trauma-informed environment—for example, the committee has spoken about the way in which traditional court buildings can be intimidating. Hannah, perhaps you can start by outlining your thoughts on how we embed trauma-informed practice across such a large system.

Thank you.

I have one very final question, picking up on a point that Hannah Stakes made about court transcripts. There is a proposal for an audio transcript. Would survivors welcome that? Would that be a helpful, positive option?

Before I bring the session to a close, would any of you like to make any final points?

Our final panel is part of phase 3 of our scrutiny of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which focuses specifically on parts 5 and 6 of the bill. Those parts cover the establishment of a new sexual offences court, anonymity for victims of sex offences, independent legal representation for complainers and the proposal for a pilot for judge-only trials in certain rape cases.

I welcome to the meeting Sandy Brindley, chief executive at Rape Crisis Scotland; Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive at Scottish Women’s Aid; Kate Wallace, chief executive at Victim Support Scotland; and Emma Bryson from Speak Out Survivors. I intend to allow about 90 minutes for this session.

I begin with a general question. Do the witnesses support the creation of a specialist sexual offences court? What would be the main benefits of creating one?

On that note, I bring this discussion to a close. I thank all of you very much indeed. It has been extremely valuable to hear your views, and we are very grateful that you were able to attend this morning.

Thank you. I bring in Anisha Yaseen.