Psychological abuse and coercive control in the home will soon be a criminal offence, after the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill was passed by Parliament on Thursday. As well as physical abuse, the Bill will cover other forms of psychological abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour that cannot easily be prosecuted under existing criminal laws.
It will be possible to prosecute abuse in its totality as a single offence, allowing courts to consider the whole course of abuse and sentence perpetrators accordingly.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “I am pleased Parliament has come together to pass this legislation. This is a momentous day as our laws will be changed so they reflect the experience all too many women have suffered.
“Attitudes towards domestic abuse have changed considerably since this Parliament was established in 1999. Back then, some were of the mindset that domestic abuse – especially where it did not involve physical violence – was a private matter. Attitudes have rightly changed – albeit further work is needed to challenge lingering outdated or dismissive attitudes.
“I am very grateful to the domestic abuse survivors who presented their evidence to the Justice Committee. Their courage helped shaped the legislation I brought to Parliament, and their actions will help the justice system prosecute those who commit one of society’s most insidious crimes.”
When the new offence comes into force, it will be preceded by a public information campaign by the Scottish Government.
As the Domestic Abuse Bill progressed through Parliament, Mr Matheson announced dedicated funding for Police Scotland to enable them to train officers and staff to identify the new offence.
Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, Police Scotland, said: “Police Scotland welcomes the new legislation on domestic abuse which will support our work with partners to reduce the harm it can cause and help eradicate it from Scotland.
“We recognise that domestic abuse is more than physical assaults, it’s about abusers who exert control over their victims by using a range of debilitating tactics. Survivors have long told us that whilst physical assaults are often part of that abuse, it is commonly the punishing psychological abuse which is more difficult to cope with.
“This new legislation is very welcome as it recognises the full extent of abuse that victims suffer and allows us to bring the full weight of the law against those who commit abuse, whatever its form.
“In preparation, Police Scotland will be training around 14,000 officers and staff on recognising coercive and controlling behaviours. We are committed to tackling domestic abuse and recognise that it affects parts of society and has no regard for age, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation,
“We encourage anyone affected by domestic abuse to report it to the police or seek support from our partners.”
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