Welcome response on call for Victims’ Commissioner for Scotland

25 March 2010

Highlands and islands Labour MSP David Stewart has welcomed Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill’s response to his calls for a Victims’ Commissioner for Scotland.

The MSP asked the following Parliamentary Question at Holyrood this afternoon (Thursday March 25): "Does the Minister share my view that victims of crime often feel they are the forgotten people within the Scottish Criminal Justice System?

"Does the Minister support Victim Support Scotland’s call for a Victims’ Commissioner for Scotland and if so will he and his party support my proposed Victims and Witnesses Scotland Bill?"

Mr Stewart said: "In his reply the Minister did not rule out supporting my Bill and I welcome that. I think that victims need a much stronger voice within the Criminal Justice System and a Victims’ Commissioner would provide a stronger link between victims, support agencies and the Scottish Government.

"The Commissioner would be involved in research and giving advice to the Government about victims’ issues such as rape incidents."