New powers to tackle domestic abuse

A new bill to strengthen the laws against those who psychologically abuse their partners using coercive and controlling behaviour has been published today.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met survivors of abuse at Glasgow Young Women’s Movement (YWCA) centre on the day the Scottish Government introduced the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill creates a new statutory offence of domestic abuse that recognises the damage and hurt that non-physical abuse can cause.

The First Minister said:

“I am proud that, as a society, we’ve come a long way from believing that domestic abuse is only a physical act. The truth is that the psychological scars left by emotional abuse can have devastating effects on victims, and this government will work hard to make sure perpetrators face the justice they deserve.

“This bill will help our police and prosecutors hold abusers to account, but importantly, it also shows those who have suffered abuse that we stand with them and will take the steps needed to help them.

“I know that legislation alone will not tackle the scourge of domestic abuse, which is why support services like the one I visited this morning are so important. The YWCA, alongside ASSIST, Scottish Women’s Aid and many other groups provide a vital lifeline for survivors, and the brave women I met today are a testament to the strength their support can bring.”

Kara Brown, Director of YWCA Scotland, added:

"The Young Women’s Movement is proud to be part of a country breaking ground through new progressive legislation. 

"It is only by addressing the full spectrum and cycle of coercive control and domestic abuse that change will take place. Young women in all their diversity describe difficulty in recognising and ending patterns of abuse within relationships. 

"We welcome this legislation as a critical tool to reduce stigma, raise understanding and encourage survivors of mental, financial and physical abuse to come forward."

Background

The Scottish Government consulted on creating a specific offence of 'abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner’ between December 2015 and April 2016. The responses to this are published here. https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/criminal-law-and-sentencing-team/criminal-offence-domestic-abuse