Political duohail Angela’s courage

Hamilton’s MSP and MP this week both applauded Angela Robertson for going public with her ordeal.

Christina Mckelvie and Angela Crawley also pointed to Scottish Government legislation, passed last year, aimed at tackling abusive behaviour and sexual harm.

Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Ms Mckelvie said: “I have fought long and hard for an end to domestic violence. I applaud anyone who has the courage to come out and say just how devastating such violence is.

“This courageous lady is doing just that and she is rightly calling for sentencing that better fits the crime.”

Westminster colleague, Lanark and Hamilton East MP, Crawley added: “Sexual assault is a serious issue. The psychological damage to the victim is huge, can leave life-long scars, and must be adequately tackled by law.

“Governments have a responsibility to end domestic violence. Angela’s bravery to go public highlights exactly why the law must change, and I am pleased the Scottish Government is going in the right direction.”

The Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Bill provisions include the aggravation of an offence if it involves the abuse of a person’s partner or ex-partner. It also requires that juries in sexual offence cases be given specific directions about how to consider the evidence.