Members' Business — S6M-07559 Russell Findlay: Victims Awareness Week, Championing the Rights of Crime Victims

That the Parliament welcomes Victim Support Scotland’s Victims Awareness Week, which will take place from 20 to 26 February 2023; understands that the awareness week will highlight the work undertaken by Victim Support Scotland to support those affected by crime by hearing their voices, highlighting their experiences and championing their rights; notes that Victim Support Scotland is a charity that provides specialist support to people impacted by crimes, including murder, terrorism, rape and sexual assault, domestic violence and hate crime; acknowledges that the impact of crime is wide-ranging and can affect people emotionally, mentally, physically and financially; understands that the week will celebrate the practical assistance and emotional support, including financial support, that can be provided by Victim Support Scotland, and other organisations, to crime victims, their families and friends, and witnesses to empower them to cope with the aftermath of crime and move forward with their lives; notes that Victim Support Scotland also advocates for positive improvements in the criminal justice system and works alongside criminal justice partners, the third sector and local organisations, and further notes the calls on MSPs to commend the work of victim support organisations and raise awareness of what it considers the vital work that they do to help victims and survivors.