Equally Safe consultation: analysis of responses

Appendix 5: Potential Impacts of the Proposals 

Responses to question nine: Equality Impact Assessment

Other comments and examples

• One called for protected characteristics to apply to the accused and alleged victim. 
• Another argued for disabled women to have a statutory right to access or challenge care models.
• One expressed concerns about confidentiality in the event of the accused working for an organisation with access to forensic medical evidence.

Responses to question ten: Socio-Economic Equality Impact Assessment (the Fairer Scotland Duty)

Other views

• One provided a general comment about the importance of enshrining the principles of dignity, respect and quality in a trauma-informed and human-rights based approach to service delivery.
• Another suggested that if abuse is not recorded then equalities data will be inaccurate but did not explain what they meant by this in relation to the proposals put forward in the consultation document.
• One suggested that the state should cover the costs of prosecution for anyone experiencing poverty. 
• Another observed that sexual violence disproportionately affects women and girls but did not expand on this view in relation to the socio-economic assessment.

Responses to question twelve: financial implications of the proposals

Delivery models

• Two respondents highlighted that they valued involvement of community planning partnerships and wider relevant workforce in developing the proposals.
• One called for further investment in rape advocacy services.
• Another suggested that the model for service provision should not solely be for forensic medical services, but for a wider multi-agency approach.
• One expressed concerns that a local delivery model, as opposed to a national model might lead to the development of inconsistent approaches.