Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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Improving victims' experiences of the justice system: consultation
The consultation seeks views on potential reforms to empower and protect victims of crime, with particular reference to sexual offences. It takes forward the work of the Victims Taskforce and recommendations from Lady Dorrian’s Review which do, or may, require a legislative underpinning.
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Bail supervision: national guidance
This document provides revised guidance for the operation of bail supervision setting out standards and expectations to support the consistent delivery of the service across Scotland.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- March 2022
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during March 2022.
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Violence Against Women and Girls - Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: terms of reference
Terms of reference for the Violence Against Women and Girls - Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services review.
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Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS): information
This leaflet provides information on how to Self-refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). It provides information on accessing healthcare through NHS Scotland for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
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£3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives
Bail supervision and assessment support.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report- February 2022
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during February 2022.
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Keeping the Promise implementation plan
The Promise implementation plan sets out our actions and commitments to Keep the Promise for care experienced children, young people and their families. It contributes to our ambition for every child in Scotland to grow up loved, safe and respected so that they realise their full potential.
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Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland
Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
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New victim support fund announced
Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.
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Recorded crime remains at low levels
Crimes in four key areas down in the past year.
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Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
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Rape Crisis Specific Fund 2017-2021
Details of funding for local rape crisis organisations providing direct support to women who have experienced sexual violence.
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Tackling gender-based violence
Additional £5 million to cut waiting lists for support.
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Self-referral forensic medical services - retention period for evidence: consultation
The landmark Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 20 January 2021. This consultation seeks views on the appropriate retention period for evidence collected in the course of self-referral forensic medical services.
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Forensic medical services - evidence collected: consultation - easy read
We would like to hear your views about evidence collected by forensic medical services, this is a special type of medical examination for people who have experienced rape or sexual assault.
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National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) 2019 - report and recommendations: SG response - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish Government’s response to the NACWG’s second report on its work in 2019 on the topic of ‘Policy Coherence - how are policies made and do policies work against each other’, which was published on 22 January 2020.
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National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) 2019 - report and recommendations: SG response
Scottish Government's Response to the First Minister's National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) 2019 Report and Recommendation on Policy Coherence. The recommendations are challenging the Scottish Government to do more to tackle gender inequality in Scotland.
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Belief in rape myths falls
Official Statistics published.
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Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2019: attitudes to violence against women
Findings from the 2019 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey on the attitudes of the Scottish public to the following forms of violence against women: sexual violence, domestic abuse (physical, verbal, mental and emotional), sexual harassment and commercial sexual exploitation.
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Supporting adults who present having experienced rape or sexual assault - draft clinical pathway: consultation analysis
An analysis of the responses to the consultation on the draft clinical pathway for healthcare professionals working to support adults who present having experienced rape or sexual assault.
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Preventing violence against women and girls - what works: key findings
This short summary presents high quality and robust international evidence on what works to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) before it happens. This paper accompanies What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls: A Summary of the Evidence.
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Preventing violence against women and girls - what works: evidence summary
This report presents high quality and robust international evidence on what works to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) before it happens. This report assesses the effectiveness of primary prevention interventions, highlighting moderating factors for their successful implementation.
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Preventing violence against women and girls - what works: effective investments summary
This paper, aimed towards policy and practitioners, presents high quality and robust international evidence on what works to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) before it happens. This paper accompanies What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls: evidence summary.
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Preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls
Funding for vital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Equally Safe: final report
A final overview of progress made since the publication of the Equally Safe delivery plan in November 2017, actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and a look forward to plans after the Equally Safe Strategy.
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Equally Safe: consultation - easy read
Easy Read version of the consultation seeking views on how best to challenge men’s demand for prostitution in Scotland, reducing the harms associated with prostitution and supporting women involved to exit.
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More protection for domestic abuse victims
Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Bill published.
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Funding for nurse sexual offence examiners
Forensic Medical Services Bill progresses.
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Tackling violence against women and girls
£4.25m extra funding for frontline services.
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Investigation and prosecution of sexual crime: follow-up review
Follow up to HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's 2017 review of the investigation and prosecution of sexual crimes
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Improving awareness of domestic abuse
New resource for professionals.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls - 30/3/20-22/05/20
This report presents qualitative evidence on the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on people experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women/girls (VAWD) during COVID-19 lockdown for the period 30/3/20 - 22/05/20.
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Support for victims of domestic violence during COVID-19 outbreak
Justice Secretary: “You are not alone.”
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Supporting women involved in prostitution
New fund to address harms and challenge demand.
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Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2018-19
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: ICIA
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: FSDA
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: EQIA
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: CRWIA
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: child rights and welfare impact assessment.
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Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: DPIA
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: data protection impact assessment. A revised version was published in November 2020 at https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781800042841
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Improving NHS services for victims of sexual crime
Bill will support improvements to service delivery.
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Equally Safe delivery plan: year two update report
An overview of progress made since the publication of the Equally Safe delivery plan in November 2017 and our priorities for the year ahead.
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National action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM: year three report
Update on the progress that has been made since the publication of the national action plan to prevent and eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in February 2016.
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Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers
Advice how to recognise and help victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
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Protecting people from domestic abuse
New protective orders to safeguard those at risk.
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Equally Safe consultation: analysis of responses
Analysis of responses to our consultation on legislation to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the new Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill.
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Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the new Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill.
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New law to prevent female genital mutilation
Protection orders proposed under new Bill.
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Domestic Abuse Act in force
New law will help hold perpetrators to account.
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More support for child witnesses of domestic abuse
Amendment proposed for Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Bill.
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Equally Safe: consultation on legislation to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault
We are seeking your views on proposals to improve forensic medical services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Strengthening support for sexual assault victims
Consultation on improvements to forensic medical examinations.
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Protecting people at risk of domestic abuse
Social Security Secretary calls for views in final weeks of consultation.
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Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Scottish Women’s Aid awarded contract.
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Universal periodic review of human rights in the United Kingdom 2017: update on five thematic areas
Our update on progress in implementing UN Human Rights Council recommendations in five thematic areas following the third Universal Periodic Review of human rights in the UK in May 2017.
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Equally Safe strategy: draft CRWIA
Draft children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) of Scotland's strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.
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Equally Safe strategy: draft EQIA
Draft equality impact assessment (EQIA) of Scotland's strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.
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Tackling domestic abuse
Psychological abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour covered by new measures.
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Improving Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and interventions for victims of domestic abuse: consultation
A consultation to improve multi-agency risk assessment centres for victims of domestic abuse in Scotland.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2017/18
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland.
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Eradicating violence against women and girls
Strategy highlights priority areas.
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Equally Safe delivery plan: year one update
Equally Safe delivery plan was published in November 2017. This report provides an overview of progress made to date and sets out priorities for the year ahead.
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Extra funding to rape crisis centres
Quicker access to local support services.
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Beyond survival: resource for organisations working with child abuse survivors
This toolkit provides resources to enable survivor support organisations become more sustainable.
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Honouring the lived experience: Rape and Sexual Assault Victims Taskforce option appraisal report
A report summarising the approach, methodology, findings and recommendations of the options appraisal exercise carried out in June 2018 as part of the Chief Medical Officer's Taskforce to Improve Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault.
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Ending Female Genital Mutilation
Strengthening existing protections.
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Strengthening protection from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): consultation
We are seeking views on plans to strengthen the existing legislative framework for the protection of women and girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a form of gender based violence.
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Funding boost for Rape Crisis Centres
Support for victims of sexual violence.
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Moving Forward Making Changes: evaluation of a group-based treatment for sex offenders - summary
Short summary of the key findings and policy messages from an evaluation of Moving Forward: Making Changes (MF:MC), an intensive group-based treatment programme for sex offenders.
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Moving Forward Making Changes: evaluation of a group-based treatment for sex offenders
This report summarises the key findings and policy messages from an evaluation of Moving Forward: Making Changes (MF:MC), an intensive group-based treatment programme for sex offenders.
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Funding for Rape Crisis
Scottish Government to make up shortfall.
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Doing more to tackle domestic abuse
£2.8 million to expand programme to reduce risk of re-offending.
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Tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus
New toolkit to address gender-based violence in universities and colleges.
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Justice for domestic abuse survivors
Domestic Abuse Bill passed by Parliament.
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Funding for Scottish Women's Aid
Scottish Women’s Aid ready staff as Domestic Abuse Bill progresses.
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Police prepare for new domestic abuse crime
Training for 14,000 officers and staff ahead of new legislation.
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Tackling violence against women and girls
Action to make women and girls equally safe.
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Equally safe: delivery plan
The Equally Safe delivery plan will help to ensure that the ambitions of the Equally Safe Strategy makes a tangible difference.
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Expert group on sexual offending
Catherine Dyer to head up group to prevent offending among young people.
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Domestic abuse recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2016-17
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2016/17
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland.
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Domestic abuse numbers 'unacceptable'
Work escalates to reduce domestic abuse in Scotland.
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Responding to Female Genital Mutilation in Scotland: equality impact assessment
An equality impact assessment of the work being taken forward in relation to the FGM National Action Plan.
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Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 debate: minister's statement
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson opens the debate on the Bill, which introduces a new offence of domestic abuse.
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Recorded crime in Scotland: 'Other sexual crimes', 2013-2014 and 2016-2017
Report on ‘Other sexual crimes’ recorded by the police in the periods 2013 to 2014 and 2016 to 2017.
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Eradicating female genital mutilation - national action plan 2016-2020: equality impact assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) record for Scotland's national action plan to prevent and eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2016 to 2020.
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Supporting victims of sexual assault
Funding to expand services in Orkney and Shetland.
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Improving forensic medical examination services
£76,000 for new training developed for rural communities.
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Protecting children from abuse
New report shows gaps in support
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Violence against women and girls: national and intermediary funding 2017-2020
Funding for organisations working to address violence against women and girls (VAWG) from 2017 to 2021.
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Equally Safe (Violence Against Women and Girls) Fund 2017-2021
Funding for organisations working towards the outcomes in our Equally Safe policy for eradicating violence against women and girls.
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Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Equality Impact Assessment
Analysis of the impact that the provisions contained in the Bill will have on equality.
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Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
Analysis of the impact that the provisions contained in the Bill will have on children's rights and wellbeing.
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Forensic medical services
Transforming the response for victims of sexual assault.
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Forensic medical services
Transforming the response for victims of sexual assault.
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Forensic examination services
Improving experience of evidence taking in sexual assault crimes.
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Tackling abusive behaviour and sexual harm
New laws come into force.
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Improving health services for victims of sexual assault
Chief Medical Officer to lead expert group.
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Measures to tackle violence against women
Increased momentum to eradicate violence against women and girls.
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New powers to tackle domestic abuse
Domestic Abuse Bill strengthens powers to tackle psychological abuse.
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Exploring available knowledge and evidence on prostitution in Scotland via practitioner-based interviews
Exploration of available knowledge and evidence on the scale and nature of prostitution in Scotland based on practitioner-based interviews.
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Evidence assessment of the impacts of the criminalisation of the purchase of sex: a review
Review of evidence on the impact of the criminalisation of the purchase of sex.
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Understanding forced marriage in Scotland
Government to give report careful consideration.
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Review of hate crime legislation
Prominent judge to chair independent review.
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Tackling domestic abuse and sexual crimes
Record number of convictions for sexual crimes last year.
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Spotting the signs of domestic abuse
New video to help professionals tackle ‘hidden crime’.
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Tackling sexual assault myths
Funding to improve public understanding of victim reaction to rape.
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Violence against women
Calls for UK Government to stop dragging feet on Istanbul convention.
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Tackling gender stereotyping
Changing young people’s attitudes to violence against women.
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Young People's Attitudes To Violence Against Women Report On Findings From The Young People In Scotland Survey 2014
Findings from the 2014 Young People In Scotland survey on the attitudes of young people (aged 11-18) to violence against women.
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Tackling domestic abuse
Additional £360,000 for programme working with families.
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World gender equality
Speed mentoring event for UN International Day of the Girl.
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The Creation of a Specific Offence of Domestic Abuse - Proposed Associated Reforms to Criminal Procedure
Details of proposed reforms to criminal procedure in relation to domestic abuse.
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Violence against women and girls funding 2016 to 2017
Funding allocated to organisations who work to combat violence against women and girls in Scotland.
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New powers to tackle domestic abuse
New laws to help prosecution of controlling and coercive behaviour.
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Equally Safe: national strategy
Scotland's Strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
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FGM: guidance for services for those affected
Guidance for services for women and girls affected by FGM.
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FGM: additional resources for health professionals
FGM: Chief Medical Officer/Chief Nursing Officer letter to health professionals about additional resources.
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Scottish Government Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) statement: 2015
Our statement opposing FGM. Includes versions in English, Arabic, French, Swahili and Somali.
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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) awareness-raising postcard: 2015
Awareness-raising postcard challenging FGM.
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Violence against women funding 2015 to 2016
Organisations that will receive funding for projects to combat violence against women in 2015 -2016.
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