Tag: respect

Sharp rise in domestic abuse figures

POLICE SCOTLAND LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN

Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.

Between April and September 2024 there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes according to Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.

The figures have been published as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.

“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.  

“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”

Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.

Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.

Assistant Chief Constable Johnson continued: “Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change. There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.

“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.

“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”

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Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.

“Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner. Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking. 

“Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.

“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.” 



Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.

“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.

“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”

Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.

“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.

“Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop.”

A number of cases sentenced during 2024 have seen young men given custodial sentences as a consequence of committing domestic abuse offences towards partners or ex partners:

Christian Schonenberger (aged 22) from Dundee was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to offending against a female and two charges of animal cruelty over a 12-month period. He was given an extended seven-years and six months sentence (four years six months custodial term), a 99 year non harassment order, a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

John Allen (aged 28) from Denny was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of their relationships. He was given an extended 13-year sentence (nine-years custodial term), and indefinite non harassment order and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

 Charles Fyfe Morrison (aged 27) from Paisley was sentenced in July 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of a four-year period. He was given a nine-year extended sentence, (seven years custodial term), a non harassment order for 15 years and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period. 

Robert McGovern (aged 20) from Edinburgh was sentenced in March 2024 in relation to numerous offences against six females over the course of a six-year period. He was given a 15-year extended sentence (nine years six months custodial term), a 999 year non harassment order applying to all the women and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

New Museum of Edinburgh exhibition celebrates Caribbean culture

RESPECT!, an exciting new exhibition, has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh. The exhibition is a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.

The exhibition explores what it is like to grow up in the Caribbean, what it means to be Caribbean, links with Scotland and how Caribbean food and music has influenced British culture. The items on display have been chosen by members of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association to share their stories with museum visitors. A Spotify playlist has also been created so visitors can enjoy a full range of Caribbean music.

The exhibition is part of a £250,000 community-led collections research project, Exchange, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with the National Museums Scotland and Royal Museums Greenwich. Exchange | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “Our Museum of Edinburgh celebrates the history of Edinburgh and all the communities who live in the city.

“This wonderful new exhibition has been a community led project, exploring the collections of our Museum of Childhood and the connections between Edinburgh and the Caribbean.

“Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. I would like to thank the association members for their time, creativity and generosity.”

Lisa Williams, Edinburgh Caribbean Association said: “It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.

“We learned a lot from each other and forged friendship and understanding along the way.”

Curator Lyn Stevens, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.

“The group have shared their knowledge and expertise generously with museum staff and the result is a fascinating insight into the many different Caribbean cultures and what it is like to live in Britain and maintain traditions and a sense of identity.

“I have learnt so much working with them and I am looking forward to our visitors enjoying this wonderful exhibition.”

Dr John Giblin, Keeper of Global Arts, Cultures and Design at National Museums Scotland: “Thanks to a generous grant from the AHRC, the Exchange project has allowed organisations around the UK to work with communities who have historically been marginalised in museum and gallery displays to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.

“Many hundreds of people have come together over the past year to reveal and share a wider range of stories and perspectives, and Respect! Caribbean life in Edinburgh is the culmination of a rich, thoughtful and productive collaboration between a museum and a community group.”

Our Museum of Edinburgh and Museum of Childhood champion local Edinburgh history and Edinburgh communities. The City of Edinburgh council is working to diversify museum collections as part of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review. New acquisitions of dolls, books and magazines have been made as part of this project to add to the Museum of Childhood collections.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a Spotify playlist Respect! Caribbean Life in Edinburgh.

A wide-ranging events programme has been arranged alongside the exhibition.

For up-to-date information about events, and details of how to book, please visit the Museums & Galleries Edinburgh website.

Scottish Parliament to consider motion of condolence for Her Majesty The Queen

The Scottish Parliament will meet today (Monday 12 September) to consider a motion of condolence following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

This will provide an opportunity for Members across the Parliament to reflect on The Queen’s life of exceptional public service and her close and enduring bond with Scotland. 

The format for the event in the Chamber will see the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, welcome His Majesty The King and The Queen Consort to the Chamber before inviting each of the Party Leaders to speak to the motion. 

The King will then respond to the motion. 

The Presiding Officer said: “People across Scotland continue to mourn the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and I wish to express on behalf of the Scottish Parliament our deepest condolences to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. 

“This motion of condolence will provide an opportunity for the Parliament to come together to pay tribute to The Queen’s life of service and her enduring bond with Scotland and its people. 

“This day will also mark a significant milestone for the country as we welcome The King to the Scottish Parliament for the first time as monarch.”  

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who will move the Motion, said: “For countless people – across our country, and around the world – this is a moment of profound sadness. We see that in the crowds gathered outside here, at St Giles’ Cathedral, and all across Scotland. This Parliament and this nation are in mourning today.

“At the heart of it all, of course, is the sense of loss felt by those who were closest to Her Majesty. Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family – and we are honoured by the presence here, of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort.

“In an ever changing world, especially in turbulent times, Her Majesty was the great constant – the anchor of our nation. Even towards the end, as her health declined, her genuine love of Scotland and profound sense of public service never faltered.

“She performed her duties with dedication and wisdom, setting an exceptional example to each and every one of us. We stand ready to support His Majesty as he continues his own life of service and builds on the extraordinary legacy of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth – the Queen of Scots.”

Statement on historical links with Atlantic slave trade

A joint statement from NHS Lothian and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation:

We are aware that hospitals across Lothian have benefited from funds realised from the Atlantic slave trade.

With colonialism and slavery being central to the national economy from the 17th to the 19th centuries, both Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation and NHS Lothian can be considered as joint descendants of the legacies of these donations and endowments.

We do not believe that there is a limitation period on such contributions and have a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery and use this learning to help remove inequality and shape a positive future for all.

We have made a commitment to research, understand and acknowledge our history so that we can learn from it and act. We will:

  • create a consultative advisory group, with representation from staff, patient, and community groups, to help guide and shape the research, learning and related outputs.
  • fund a research post to review archive evidence and secondary sources to compile a thorough documented history of the links between the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Atlantic slave trade. (Funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation)
  • use the research to guide outcomes and outputs and make recommendations for action to the NHS Board
  • seek to work alongside other institutions (such as the University of Edinburgh) who are undertaking similar reflective exercises.   

The impact of the roots of the slave trade is evident in the inequalities that we see today, with COVID-19 exacerbating and giving a public spotlight to these inequalities.

As an employer and healthcare provider we state without reservation that all staff and patients must be treated equally, irrespective of skin colour, culture, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender.

We support the fundamental need for equality and inclusion at the heart of what we stand for. It is important that all staff and representatives of NHS Lothian, treat one another with care, compassion, dignity, and respect. These are a key part of our organisation values.

Working to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do

We believe better health for all is within our reach and in no way condone the actions of historical donors. Acknowledging and understanding this history and using this learning to inform our corporate objectives will support us to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation and help us to tackle racism, discrimination and inequality.

Though we have much to learn and more work to do, ongoing reviews of our internal processes and systems have already led to positive, practical changes in the way we work.

The following examples outline work that is already taking place:

  • Staff Networks
    We have established four Equalities Staff Networks, and committed to increasing support for them, and potentially further networks in the coming year.  At present we have vibrant groups as follows;
    • Black & Ethnic Minority Staff Network
    • Disabled Employee Network
    • LGBT+ Staff & Allies Network
    • Youth Staff Network
       
  • Corporate Objective and Workplans
    Our Corporate Objective 2021 – 22 on race ethnicity and diversity demonstrate our commitment to act now – starting with a facilitated series of one to one and group discussions involving our Corporate Management Team and Staff Network members
  • Our detailed Advancing Equality Action Plan 2021-22 was devised and agreed with members of all our staff networks over a series of workshops in Spring 2021
  • 360 Visions – Managed by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts programme, 360 Visions uses theatre, storytelling, music and filmmaking to understand NHS Lothian BME staff experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equalities perspective and explores the multi-faceted challenges faced not only by BME staff, but also by Disabled, LGBT+ and Youth staff members. The aim is to help open a door for all colleagues to gain awareness of the difficulties faced on a daily basis, both in and outside of work, and why change needs to happen. It bridges a gap to enable staff to further educate themselves about the daily struggles, in order to create a culture of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance which allows positive changes to be achieved. NHS Lothian has come a long way to improve culture and diversity, but COVID-19 has reinforced that there is still work to be done. As part of this ongoing work, the 360 Visions creative programme will help provide a platform for diverse viewpoints to be voiced and heard, celebrating the incredible work and diversity of NHS Lothian.
  • Reflecting Diversity in our Art Collection – Our Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,750 artworks displayed across over 40 NHS Lothian sites. We have undertaken a review of our collection to ensure this is reflective of a wide and diverse culture.
  • Review of EDI practices within our funded programmes
    Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts team is working with Knowledge Bridge to help embed EDI as a core part of the Tonic Arts programme. Knowledge Bridge is working with the Tonic Arts team to review the current programme and develop an inclusive strategy, advising on how to develop a more diverse and inclusive Arts in Health programme for NHS Lothian.  

Show some respect: Holyrood action on ‘hated’ benefits assessments

Scottish Greens yesterday successfully pushed for a duty to be placed on government to consider existing evidence before ordering additional assessments for devolved social security benefits.

Assessments for the controversial Personal Independence Payment, which thousands of Scots have been called for, can be stressful and humiliating and in many cases not necessary because there is sufficient existing medical and other evidence.

At a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee, the Minister for Social Security, Jeane Freeman, accepted the intention of the amendment from Alison Johnstone MSP and pledged to work with her to implement its intentions before the Bill passes, likely this summer.

Speaking after the meeting, Lothian MSP Ms Johnstone, said: “If we are to found this new system on the principles of dignity and respect, then we should protect applicants from unnecessary assessments that cause distress.

“I am pleased to hear that the Scottish Government accept the principle of my amendment, and have agreed to work with me to ensure the final bill enshrines a duty for existing evidence to be considered by the Scottish Government before an assessment can be ordered.”

Citizens Advice Scotland describe such a move as “the highest priority for the Scottish social security system”.

The move comes after two earlier successes. The Scottish Social Security system will now include a principle that social security should reduce poverty, as a result of a Green amendment now passed.

Also as a result of a Green amendment, the Scottish Government has now recognised the unfair situation faced by carers who care for more than one person. Alison Johnstone has raised the issue that Carer’s Allowance claimants who care for more than one person yet receive no recognition of this. This can mean that some carers miss out on the support altogether.

Jeane Freeman said: “I fully appreciate the point that Ms Johnstone makes, and the fact that many of Scotland’s carers are splitting their hours of care between more than one person and might be missing out on support despite having significant caring responsibilities.

“I am also sympathetic to the principle that we should recognise a wider range of caring situations and ensure that we are providing support to those who need it. I want to ensure that we fully support carers, as I know Ms Johnstone does.”

Alison Johnstone added: “Greens are helping to build a fairer Scotland. As a result of Green action, the new social security system will have the overriding aim to reduce poverty and the Scottish Government has pledged to look at the situation facing people who have multiple caring responsibilities, which Greens raised.

And today, the Scottish Government has accepted the Green manifesto pledge to significantly reduce the number of unfair benefits assessments by making better use of existing evidence.”

Macpherson MSP said that SNP Scottish Government amendments passed yesterday were ground-breaking in ensuring anyone challenging a decision on their social security entitlements will not experience a gap in financial support.

Local SNP MSP Ben Macpherson, who sits on Holyrood’s Social Security Committee said: “Amendments brought forward by Minister for Social Security Jeane Freeman mean that through short-term assistance payments, people will continue to have financial support when redeterminations or appeals are undertaken.

“This is an extremely positive and ground-breaking move that will ensure any claimant wishing to challenge decisions about their benefits entitlements will not be faced with suddenly having no financial support while their appeal is made.

“This means that, unlike the current DWP system, no-one will face the cliff-edge of suddenly losing much needed benefits while they wait for decisions to be taken about their future payments.

“The Scottish Government is making clear on the face of the Social Security Bill that nobody will be left in the lurch, or be pushed into crisis, while an independent body scrutinises their appeals, and their payments will be maintained at the original level throughout any such appeal.

“This will be an extremely important and positive function of a Social Security System in Scotland that is embedded in dignity and respect and with peoples’ right to social security firmly at its heart – and I am proud to have played my part in shaping it.”