Justice committee seeking views on bill to prevent domestic abuse

Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee is seeking views on a new bill which aims to reduce incidences of domestic abuse.   

The Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Scottish Conservative MSP Pam Gosal, would introduce notification requirements for certain people convicted of domestic abuse offences, similar to those for registered sex offenders.  

The proposed legislation would require individuals to disclose their address and passport details to the police.   

It would also give the courts the power to order an assessment of the suitability of an individual convicted of domestic abuse to take part in rehabilitation or behavioural change programmes.   

If passed, Police Scotland, the Crown Office, Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and charities working with victims of domestic abuse, will have the duty to collect data, as well as an annual reporting duty to the Scottish Government.  

As part of the curriculum, schools will also be required to provide education on domestic abuse and healthy relationships.  

Last year, incidents of domestic abuse recorded by Police Scotland increased by three per cent on the previous year to 63,867.  

Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee Audrey Nicoll MSP said: “Our committee is acutely aware of the devastating impact domestic abuse has on individuals, families and communities across Scotland, and the latest statistics on domestic abuse show the scale of this issue.  

“This bill presents a range of proposals aiming to prevent domestic abuse, including statutory data collection and improving school education, but we want to hear views from individuals and organisations on whether they support these proposals.  

“We are particularly keen to hear from those with lived experience, their families and frontline professionals on if they agree with the proposals in this bill, or if they feel other actions are required to tackle domestic abuse in Scotland.”