Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
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National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023
This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.
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Understanding women’s experience of justice
‘Reducing re-traumatisation will promote equality’ – report.
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Women's Justice Leadership Panel The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice
This report summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.
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User Guide to Recorded Crime Statistics in Scotland
Provides detailed information on the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistical bulletin series. It is designed to be a useful reference guide with explanatory notes regarding issues and classifications which are crucial to the production and presentation of crime statistics in Scotland.
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Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: data protection impact assessment
Latest version of the data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) - published in July 2023.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Reconviction Statistics 2019-20
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Crime remains at historically low-levels
Delivering a safer Scotland for everyone.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2022-23
Statistics on crimes and offences recorded and cleared up by the police in Scotland in 2022-23, split by crime or offence group and by local authority.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2022-23
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Tackling criminal exploitation
Safeguarding the most vulnerable.
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New Chief Constable
Justice Secretary Angela Constance comments as first woman appointed to role.
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Young People in Scotland Survey 2021: attitudes to violence against women and girls
Pupils across 50 state secondary schools were surveyed on their attitudes towards topics relating to violence against women and girls. The report examines how attitudes have changed since the first publication in 2014 and discusses differences in views across a range of equality characteristics.
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Violence Against Women and Girls - Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: report - easy read
Easy read version of the Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services report.
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Violence Against Women and Girls - Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: report
The Independent Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services was led by Lesley Irving, former Head of the Scottish Government’s Equality Unit, who was supported by an Advisory Group comprising key figures from local government, academia and the third sector.
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Bairns' Hoose – children and young people: participation and engagement plan - easy read
Easy read version of a plan which sets out our approach to participation and engagement, and the actions we will take to make sure that Bairns’ Hoose services best reflect the views of children and young people with lived experience of trauma.
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Bairns' Hoose - project plan: progress report and pathfinder delivery plan 2023 to 2025 - easy read
Easy read version of a report which highlights the progress made towards developing a national Bairns’ Hoose model, sets out revised overarching actions for 2023 to 2025 and provides a detailed delivery plan for the Pathfinder phase.
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Bairns' Hoose – children and young people: participation and engagement plan
This plan sets out our approach to participation and engagement, and the actions we will take to make sure that Bairns’ Hoose services best reflect the views of children and young people with lived experience of trauma.
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Bairns' Hoose - project plan: progress report and pathfinder delivery plan 2023 to 2025
This report highlights the progress made towards developing a national Bairns’ Hoose model, sets out revised overarching actions for 2023 to 2025 and provides a detailed delivery plan for the Pathfinder phase.
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Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce questionnaire: results summary
This paper provides a summary of the results of an online questionnaire issued to the Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce in December 2022.
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New violence prevention strategy
Action to help drive down harm.
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Violence prevention framework
This Framework sets out our vision to prevent violence across Scotland, and when it does occur, to reduce its harm. It is supported by an evidence supplement, spotlights some cross government work and includes priority aims and an action plan, outlining the initial activities going forward.
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Victims/survivors of domestic abuse - multi-agency risk assessment and interventions: report
A report relating to the development of Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (Maracs) covering views, themes and recommendations identified at a series of stakeholder deep dive sessions in 2021.
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Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review
Report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
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Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review - easy read
Easy read version of the report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
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Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023: easy read
Provides an easy read update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
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Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023
Provides an update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
Records the decision not to carry out an island communities impact assessment for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. It explains why the Bill will not have a significantly different effect on island communities and describes how this assessment has been made.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
This impact assessment looks at the costs and benefits of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill that affect the public, private and third sector.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)
This impact assessment considers how the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill will affect children’s rights and wellbeing. It records the research, analysis and engagement that has taken place in respect of this and how this has informed the development of the Bill.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment process for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This process was undertaken to ensure that the Bill does not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: data protection impact assessment
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: Fairer Scotland duty assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: island communities impact assessment
Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: equality impact assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Fair Work First guidance
Fair Work First guidance for organisations seeking and awarding public sector grants, contracts and other funding – applies to grants awarded on or after 1 July 2023 and eligible agriculture grants awarded on or after 1 April 2024.
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Children and young people's voices matter: progress report - March 2023
Report on progress made on the actions agreed at the sixth annual meeting of Cabinet members and children and young people on 1 March 2022.
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Independent legal representation for sexual offence victims
Support for victims faced with potential questioning in court about their sexual history.
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Reforming the criminal law to address misogyny: consultation
A consultation on draft legislation to implement recommendations for reform of the criminal law contained in the report of the Working Group on Misogyny chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.
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Misogyny law consultation
Proposals to criminalise abusive and humiliating behaviour routinely directed at women and girls.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland: year ending December 2022
Statistics on crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland in the year ending December 2022, split by crime or offence group and by local authority.
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Diversion from prosecution: joint review
A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate
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Violence against women and girls funding review: analysis of responses
Analysis of the responses to the Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services call for evidence.
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Violence Against Women and Girls services questions: people's answers - easy read
Easy read version of the analysis of the responses to the strategic review of funding and commissioning of violence against women and girls services' call for evidence.
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Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service: guidance for healthcare professionals
As a healthcare professional a person may disclose to you that they have been raped or sexually assaulted. This guidance summarises how to support individuals and the options available to them, including referral to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS).
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New domestic abuse powers ‘better reflect experience of victims’
Research finds extending laws to include emotional and psychological abuse has had beneficial impact.
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Victim Surcharge Fund
More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs.
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Domestic abuse: statistics recorded by the police in Scotland - 2021/22
Characteristics of victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland in 2021 to 2022.
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Preventing domestic homicides
Multi-agency taskforce to ensure lessons are learned from each case.
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Supporting survivors of violence and abuse
Almost 20,000 people given emotional and practical support.
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Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending June 2022
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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New custodial unit for women
Visionary centre will transform support for women in custody.
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Challenging men’s demand for prostitution
Papers to aid new framework published.
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Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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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Restorative justice launch
New national hubs pave way.
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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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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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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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£3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives
Bail supervision and assessment support.
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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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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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Belief in rape myths falls
Official Statistics published.
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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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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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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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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 numbers 'unacceptable'
Work escalates to reduce domestic abuse in Scotland.
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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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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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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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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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