Monday 19 to Sunday 25 February is Victims’ Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being victims’ rights.

When someone is affected by crime, it can have a massive impact on their life, affecting them emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and practically. It can be very traumatic, so having the right information at the right time is critical.

Victim Support Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to helping people affected by crime across Scotland. It supports victims of crime, witnesses and their family members regardless of when the crime took place or whether it has been reported to the police.

It offers free, person-centred, confidential and trauma-informed support, tailored to the needs of the individual and is promoting these services and victims’ rights during Victims’ Awareness Week.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“In Scotland, anyone affected by crime has a right to support and information, regardless of whether the crime was reported to the police or not.

“While not everyone affected by crime will want to exercise these rights, Victim Support Scotland wants people affected by crime to know they can access support from the charity.

“I’m pleased to help promote its work and raise awareness of it during this year’s Victims’ Awareness Week.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, you can contact Victim Support Scotland on: 0800 160 1985 or find further information at https://victimsupport.scot/victims-awareness-week-2024.