A NEW law has been proposed in Scotland to try and reduce the number of deaths where domestic abuse is involved.
The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill – if passed by MSPs – would require a robust review process to take place following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is known or suspected.
The reviews will ensure relevant government departments and third sector agencies identify and agree on any areas for change so further deaths can be prevented.
Those with direct experience of domestic abuse and families who have been bereaved because of such abuse overwhelmingly backed the plans for this national review model during a public consultation.
The new bill also proposes measures to modernise the justice sector through greater use of digital technology.
It will make permanent a number of temporary measures put in place during the COVID pandemic which have improved how the criminal justice system works and which have support to become permanent measures.
This will include allowing more “virtual” attendance at criminal courts, electronic signing and sending of documents in criminal cases and increasing the maximum level of fiscal fines that can be imposed.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance (below) said: “One death involving domestic abuse is one too many. While overall homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number of victims who are killed by a partner or ex-partner, with the vast majority being women.
“Our plans for a new review process will ensure agencies across justice, health, social care, local government and the third sector are working together to identify what lessons can be learned following known or suspected domestic abuse deaths.
“I hope that identifying what needs to improve will mean there are fewer deaths of this kind. Ultimately, however, the change we need to see will only happen when those who perpetrate domestic abuse – the majority of whom are men – change their actions and behaviour.”
As the bill was published, an information board at a previously unmarked memorial cairn in Holyrood Park was installed by Historic Environment Scotland.
The cairn, built in memorial to domestic homicide victim Margaret Hall, who was murdered by her husband in 1720, was visited by Constance and those involved in developing the review model.
Kate Wallace, chief executive at Victim Support Scotland, said: "The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review offers a unique opportunity for lessons to be learned from homicides and suicides within the context of domestic abuse in Scotland, so that we can help ensure these types of crimes can be prevented.
"We welcome the opportunity to bring forward legislation which will embed this entirely new approach for Scotland, and fully acknowledge the work and collective efforts required to address the unique issues inherent to this type of crime. We welcome these progressive measures, especially how victims will be considered within the legislation."
