Controlling a partner will become an offence
New laws coming into force next month will criminalise psychological domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Bill creates a specific offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner”.
This includes psychological abuse such as coercive and controlling behaviour as well as violence.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf believes Scotland is leading the way with the new legislation.
“It will be a landmark moment in our efforts to tackle domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, and will strengthen the power of police and prosecutors to hold perpetrators to account,” he said last night.
“Psychological abuse can have a devastating and longlasting impact on survivors. It is a form of abuse that is often hidden, but can rob victims of their confidence, self-esteem and safety. This is also the first piece of legislation in the UK to contain a specific statutory sentencing for aggravation to reflect the harm that can be caused to children growing up in an environment where domestic abuse takes place.
“I want to be clear that this behaviour is absolutely unacceptable.”
Examples of psychological abuse include making a partner dependent or subordinate; isolating a partner from friends, relatives or other sources of support; and controlling, regulating or monitoring a partner’s day-to-day activities.
Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said the new laws would tackle “the largest abuse of human rights in Scotland”.
“It will not only criminalise this behaviour but will send a message that we take this very seriously and that this should be reflected in the sentencing for perpetrators,” she said.
“The new legislation could transform Scotland.”