Talk After Severe Crime Service (TASC)

TASC is a Sacro service designed to provide those who have been harmed by a severe crime with the opportunity to communicate safely with the person responsible for the harm.

What does the service offer?

TASC is a private, confidential and voluntary process and has no bearing on the judicial status of the person responsible for the offence. It may take place before or after a prison sentence has been completed.

People who have used similar services have said they found it helped them to deal more effectively with some of the harm caused by severe violent crime.

How does the service work?

Following a period of preparation for the parties involved, TASC often results in a face-to-face meeting, led by two trained facilitators. It is a safe and structured form of communication between those directly affected by the crime. The meeting can also include friends and family support.

Shuttle communication involves a facilitator acting as a “go-between” for the participants when it is not appropriate or desirable for them to meet.

A Protective Contract is drawn up following either process and is designed to help participants discuss practical details in relation to unplanned or unintended contact after the prisoner’s release.

Who is the service aimed at?

The service is principally for people harmed by severe crime as listed in the prescribed offences of the Victim Notification Scheme (Scottish Executive 2004) such as murder, culpable homicide or assault.

How is the service accessed?

Anyone harmed by severe crime or who has a relative harmed or killed can approach Sacro, the local social work department or an agency supporting victims.

Sacro has produced an information leaflet for those harmed by severe, violent crime.