New abuse law hailed

Aid group backs changes

A new law criminalising psychological domestic abuse has been hailed as “momentous” by a charity based in East Kilbride.

The Domestic Abuse Bill, which was passed in Holyrood last month, creates a specific offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner”.

MSPs voted to pass the legislation, with every member speaking in favour during the final debate. Members stood to applaud domestic abuse survivors in the public gallery after the result was announced.

An amendment by East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani creating an assumption that the court will grant nonharassment orders was also backed unanimously.

Campaigners say the new law “could change Scotland forever” and Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire, based at Edinburgh House in East Kilbride town centre, say the move will send out a strong message to perpetrators.

CEO Heather Russell told the News: “We are still celebrating the passing of this Bill at Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire.

“This is a momentous move forward combining over 40 years of Women’s Aid work.

“The Bill provides victims/ survivors of domestic abuse the legislative tool to criminalise perpetrators’ coercive behaviour.

“In short, this Bill articulates what we know of domestic abuse; that it is insidious and controlling behaviour. It is not just about violence and it is not just about an incident.

“It tells women and children victim/ survivors that their experience matters and tells perpetrators that their behaviour will not go unpunished.”

The new legislation covers a whole range of abusive behaviour that is violent, threatening, intimidating and emotionally damaging. An aggravating factor is if the behaviour is directed towards a child or they witness an offence.

Ms Fabiani said: “I am pleased that my amendment was passed unanimously.”