Family Law News Edinburgh

A law that will allow people to find out if their partner has been involved in domestic abuse in previous relationships is to be launched in Scotland.

Two police districts in Scotland are to pilot a law which will ensure that people can check whether or not their partner has a history of domestic abuse or violence. Described as ‘a right to know’, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme will enable women and men to request information on their partner’s history and criminal record from the police.

A Scottish Government initiative, Equally Safe, launched this week is an innovative strategy tackling the full spectrum of violence against women and girls in Scotland.

Equally safe outlines the need for participation from every area of Government and society to address this issue. The initiative seeks to engage the police, NHS, the criminal justice system, social work, and housing as well as businesses, employers and third sector organisations in creating a safe society for women and girls.

Equally safe also encompasses a comprehensive review of the Scottish Justice system, including consideration of the current law relating to domestic abuse and sexual offences, whether it is fit for purpose and whether additional offences need be created.

The strategy also sets out four key priorities:
1. Scottish society embraces equality and mutual respect, and rejects all forms of violence against women and girls.
2. Women and girls thrive as equal citizens: socially, culturally, economically and politically.
3. Interventions are early and effective, preventing violence and maximising safety and wellbeing of women and girls.
4. Men desist from all forms of violence against women and girls and perpetrators of such violence receive a robust and effective response. 

Shona Robinson, Cabinet Secretary for Equalities said: “It is our plan to eradicate violence against women and work to create a strong and flourishing Scotland where everyone can feel equally safe and respected. There are, however, no quick fixes to this deep-routed problem. We need significant social, cultural and attitudinal change over the long-term, change that calls for sustained commitment from a wide range of partners as well as individuals and communities.”

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Domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, supported by the Premier League and BT Sport, has launched the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign to help raise awareness of domestic violence and the sexist attitudes that underpin abuse against women.

Domestic violence charity Women’s Aid has released new figures highlighting the high incidence of financial abuse suffered by domestic violence victims.