Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment

Findings in relation to impacts on island communities

Part 1 – Criminal Justice Modernisation

Electronic signing and transmission of documents

The provisions for electronic signing and sending of documents allow staff in justice organisations to work flexibly, improve efficiencies and reduce resource requirements. For instance, conduct of business by electronic means reduces the use of hard copy papers and the travel associated with lodging such documents; this is deemed as particularly beneficial for those residing and working in island communities.

Virtual attendance

Virtual attendance can be particularly positive for those living in remote and island communities who can face significant costs associated with attending court on the mainland. It was also noted that justice social work teams are typically smaller on Scotland’s islands, and that these teams could benefit from greater use of digital technologies and remote communication.

However, individuals may not have access to the necessary equipment and/or connectivity to make proper use of virtual attendance. This was seen as a particular issue in more rural and island settings.

Part 2 – Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews

Throughout the consultation and targeted engagement, it has been highlighted that appropriate support should be in place to enable the involvement of family, friends, and colleagues of the victim – and potentially family, friends, and colleagues of the perpetrator – in the review process.

For those living in remote island communities, who could face significant costs associated with attending meetings on the mainland, alternative methods, such as videoconferencing, could constitute an option. Where individuals may not have access to the necessary equipment and/or connectivity to make proper use of virtual meetings, members of the review panel would look to travel to the individual’s location to facilitate an in-person meeting.

Similarly, it has been highlighted that mental health and wellbeing support should be in place for family, friends, and colleagues of the victim – and potentially family, friends, and colleagues of the perpetrator – who are participating in the review process. For those living in remote island communities, this could be delivered in different forms, and such options remain to be explored as the model is being developed, building on the support already available.

At present, there are 38 local Women’s Aid Groups across Scotland, providing support and refuge to women and children experiencing domestic abuse, with one such group present in the majority of islands. This is complemented by additional support provided by local Violence Against Women groups and any other community-based partnerships, as well as national victim support helplines. There is also a national support group for makes victims of domestic abuse and national support organisations that support victims of homicide and suicide.