Scotland transforms domestic abuse laws to include psychological abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act has come into force in Scotland with “groundbreaking” psychological abuse clause.
The law which previously focused on violence now covers psychological and emotional treatment and coercive and controlling behaviour too.
Campaign groups are applauding the changes which are being imposed from today.
Kate Wallace, CEO of national charity Victim Support Scotland, said they “support the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Scotland 2018 Bill.”
“The safety and protection of victims is a crucial component of effective justice systems.
“We welcome the inclusion of non-physical aspects of domestic abuse, including psychological harm and coercive control.
“This will greatly increase recognition of the damage caused to victims, enabling legal redress, as well as strengthening the criminal justice response to domestic abuse.”
The Domestic Abuse Act was passed last February in the Scottish Parliament.
Under the revision, courts must now also consider non-harassment orders against offenders to protect victims.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said he is “proud Scotland is leading the way with this ground-breaking legislation, which uniquely recognises the effect of domestic abuse on child victims as well as adults.”
He added that the Act “makes absolutely clear that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and a crime”.
Roshni, 29, who left an abusive marriage with support from Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid in Glasgow, urges victims to seek help.
She said: “At first the marriage was so good, but after a few months I realised there was something wrong.
“He didn’t give me any money, so I always had to stay at home, I felt so isolated.
“He was always pushing me and abusing me in front of my family and friends.
“This was a really bad situation for me, I wanted to live with respect as a person.
“If you feel like you are in my situation being controlled or abused by your partner, seek help, it’s your life.”
Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, crime and protection lead for Police Scotland, called the offence “groundbreaking”.
She said: “For the first time, it will allow us to investigate and report the full circumstances of an abusive relationship.
“In preparation for the change in law our officers and staff have received further training on the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships to help recognise the signs, identify investigative opportunities and to tackle the myths and misconceptions of abuse that still exist.
“This new offence is a clear warning to abusers that all forms of domestic abuse are criminal and that perpetrators should expect to face the full consequences of their abusive behaviour.”
