PRESS RELEASE

May 12th, 2009

Give victims a voice

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is backing a new bill that seeks to give victims of crime a voice.

If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the bill would see the creation of a Commissioner for Victims’ Rights.

The member’s bill, proposed by Mr McNeil’s colleague David Stewart, is currently out to consultation and the MSP wants to hear the views of local people to help shape the bill.

He has already secured the backing of John Muir, who has led the Damian’s Law campaign, and Liz McCue, of Victim Support Inverclyde.

Mr McNeil said: “I believe that if criminals can have their voice in the shape of the Prisons Commissioner, then it is only right that their victims are afforded the same representation.

“There have been many advances in protecting the rights of victims over the last 10 years but too many people are still having to endure a difficult experience going through our legal system.

“This bill will put these victims at the heart of the process and ensure their feelings and wishes aren’t overlooked by the justice system.”

The local MSP also praised the work of Victim Support in Inverclyde.

He said: “Liz McCue and the team at Victim Support in Inverclyde receive more than 3,000 referrals a year and some people would never be able to get through the legal process without their help.

“They are an invaluable resource for this area and their efforts are appreciated very much.”

ENDS

A copy of the consultation document is available at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/membersbills/documents/ConsultationLeafletfinal.pdf