Improving protections in the justice system for women and girls: consultation
We are seeking views to help inform consideration of future criminal law and policy in Scotland. This consultation covers various types of offences that cause disproportionate harm to women and girls.
Open
66 days to respond
Respond online
Ministerial foreword
Building on previous steps, we are committed to considering new action to protect women and girls from violence. Such behaviour has no place in a safe, strong and successful Scotland.
The domestic abuse offence introduced in 2019 is widely recognised as helping ensure the scourge of domestic abuse in all its forms is able to be dealt with by the criminal justice system. Perpetrators can better be held to account for their insidious behaviour. Those working in the public sector are being better equipped with improved skills and knowledge to confidently and sensitively work with those affected by violence against women and girls.
However, more needs to be done. Equally Safe, our country’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls, aims for a strong and flourishing Scotland where individuals are equally safe and protected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse – and the attitudes that help perpetuate them.
We are clear all necessary steps must be taken and, where needed, this means new tools are made available to address violence against women and girls. Areas such as non-fatal strangulation, spiking, protective orders for those at risk of harassment and offences committed against pregnant women are considered in this consultation. We also want to hear views on how online and technology-facilitated harm can better be addressed.
Delivering improved outcomes for women and girls is key. This consultation focuses on the potential role that changes to the criminal law can play in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls. Criminal law can have a fundamental role to play in helping deliver better outcomes where, for example, recognised gaps in protection exist and which require new laws to be developed. Where existing laws provide necessary protection with no obvious gap, but there remains concern about ensuring improved outcomes for women and girls, it is clear other steps need to be considered.
We welcome views to this consultation to help inform vital decisions on helping better protect women and girls.
Angela Constance MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
Siobhian Brown MSP
Minister for Victims and Community Safety