01 July 2009

David Stewart, Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP, is thanking all those who contributed to his consultation for a Victim’s Commission for Scotland.

Mr Stewart said: "The views and ideas that we’ve gathered here will go a long way towards helping design the Bill.

"We have had a range of responses from amongst others Community Councils from across Scotland, Victim’s Aid Scotland and Women’s Aid Scotland.

"This input has been invaluable and their continued support is much appreciated. This, however, is just the start of the process of getting the Bill through Parliament."

Mr Stewart added: "Crime affects all our communities across Scotland.

"It blights families and damages lives and causes some of the most vulnerable members of our community to live in fear.

"Prisoners in Scotland have their own Commissioner - it's time that victims of crime had someone to speak for them."