New domestic abuse protocol

Solicitor General announces initiative to improve protection for domestic abuse victims

News, 24 November 2004

Victims of domestic abuse are to get greater protection under a new initiative launched today.

Solicitor General Elish Angiolini unveiled a new joint code of practice for the Scottish prosecution service and police to help them "vigorously" tackle domestic abuse.

The protocol identifies the best ways to deliver a consistency of approach in the investigation, reporting and prosecution of domestic abuse cases.

Speaking at the Scottish Women's Aid conference in Crieff Elish Angiolini said: "This protocol will help to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are afforded as much protection as the law is capable of providing and are guaranteed the same high level of response wherever they are in Scotland.

"I hope too it will instil greater confidence in those experiencing domestic abuse by ensuring that those who are brought into the justice system at their most vulnerable point are properly informed about the decisions which will be taken and have the certainty that their experience of domestic abuse will be met with a response which is sensitive to their particular experience."

The protocol has been issued to all procurators fiscal in Scotland. It is part of a much wider programme of work on domestic abuse, which includes work with Scottish Women's Aid (SWA) to build on the training of procurators fiscal. A pilot domestic abuse court was launched in Glasgow earlier this year.

Johann Lamont, Deputy Communities Minister said: "It takes a lot of courage for people to report domestic abuse and when they do, we must ensure there is consistency in the support provided by the police and the justice systems. I welcome the launch of this new code of practice.

"Support services like refuges, a telephone helpline and specialist workers are in place to help women through these times. There has been a huge change in the way the public views domestic abuse, but unfortunately the behaviour of many men has not changed. There is still much to be done and we will not rest while there are tens of thousands of women and children living with this threat."