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.”
Contact Family Law Edinburgh
For specialist family law advice, including advice on divorce related issues, click here to complete our enquiry form or call us on 0131 208 1608.
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.
...
Women’s Aid is highlighting the interactions between child abuse and domestic violence, as new research reveals the large number of at-risk children affected by domestic violence in England.
...
The City of Edinburgh Council is taking part in a new, multi-agency campaign to highlight the range of support that is available to the victims of domestic violence.
...
A recently published report has called for the Government to support wholesale reform of how the authorities deal with young men who commit domestic abuse.
...
The lack of Old Firm football matches this year has apparently led to a drop in domestic violence cases, reports the Scotsman.
...
Lothian and Borders police have launched a campaign to help victims of domestic violence.
Removing the requirement for corroboration in Scots law could help to protect the rights of victims of domestic abuse, the Solicitor General has said.
The first protection order has been issued in Scotland to protect a victim of forced marriage.
New research from the national charity, 4Children, has revealed the extent of conflict and violence in Britain’s families.
A dedicated domestic abuse court is to be piloted at Livingston Sheriff Court from Thursday 16th February. The new multi-agency pilot will improve the service domestic abuse victims in West Lothian receive from the criminal justice system. The pilot will initially run for 12 months.
Scotland's Chief Statistician has published statistics on adults' experiences of partner abuse in Scotland.
A domestic abuse court is to be piloted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The specialist court aims to improve the way in which allegations of domestic abuse are dealt with in the criminal justice system.
Edinburgh City Council has chaired a seminar on domestic abuse which looked at how different agencies involved in domestic violence should work together to tackle the problem. The event was part of the International 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women campaign which runs until 10th December.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service has announced that the specialist domestic abuse court at Dunfermline Sheriff Court will become a permanent feature after the conclusion of successful pilot programme, reports the Journal Online.
The Fawcett Society, supported by a group of charities, unions and academics, has published a report outlining policy recommendations for the Government to ensure that progress made in women's rights and equality is not undermined by deficit reducing budget cuts.
The incidence of domestic violence against men has risen by 11% over the past year, reports the BBC.
The Crown Office and Strathclyde Police have warned that football matches such as Old Firm clashes are no excuse for domestic abuse.
