One of the first things I do each morning is have a thorough read of all the news and events that have been taking place in our community so that I can keep fully up to date.

More often than not, there are sadly instances where residents have been victims of crime.

This week alone I came across stories which included physical assault, domestic abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping and even a murder story which had links to North Ayrshire.

Sadly, these are a few instances of the hundreds of victims on the receiving end of crime each day in Scotland, despite the police doing a fantastic job supporting victims and targeting the perpetrators.

The question is what more can be done to reduce crime, deter criminals and ensure that victims are put at the centre of the justice process?

It was my desire to put victims first which motivated my Victims Bill in Holyrood, which is currently at the consultation stage.

Essentially that involves taking feedback from members of the public, charities and other organisations.

My ambitious proposals, which have seven key aspects, are far-reaching and could dramatically change the justice system in Scotland if it progresses.

For instance, I want to give all victims the right to statements to court to describe how that crime has affected them physically, emotionally and financially when an offender is sentenced.

Currently that doesn’t happen.

I also want to implement ‘Michelle’s Law’ which would give victims (or families in tragic cases of murder) the right to request that exclusion zones be imposed on the criminal when a decision to release them is made.

This law was initially proposed by the family of Michelle Stewart, a young woman from Ayrshire, who was horrifically murdered by John Wilson in 2009.

Her family have sought justice on this matter ever since.

My Bill also seeks to bring in ‘Suzanne’s Law’, named after Suzanne Pilley who was murdered in 2010.

This would ensure that her killer is never released from custody unless he discloses the location of Suzanne’s body.

I know this might not impact a huge number of cases, but I believe it is vital because it sends a strong message that the justice system is on the side of victims and their families.

I am also aware of the Ayrshire-related case of Lynda Spence who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 2011 with the two men responsible jailed for life in 2013.

However, to date, her body has never been found despite extensive searches and I was extremely moved by the words of her parents who said they can “never begin to imagine her suffering or comprehend the cruelty of any person who would do that to another human being”.

These are just a few of the proposals in my Bill which will put victims, rather than perpetrators, first.

The consultation closes at the end of May and I appeal directly to you too, especially if you’ve been a victim of crime, to make your voice heard, shape future laws and take part in my consultation here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/VictimsCriminalJusticeandFAIs/