Earlier this week, Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee launched a call for views on a new Bill aimed at tackling and preventing domestic abuse in Scotland. This is a significant opportunity to influence how our legal system responds to a deeply serious and complex issue.
The Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill includes several key proposals:
- Notification requirements for individuals convicted of domestic abuse offences — similar to the sex offenders’ register — to help protect victims and communities.
- Court powers to order assessments on the suitability of convicted individuals to take part in rehabilitation or behaviour change programmes.
- A new duty on data collection and reporting, placed on Police Scotland, the Crown Office, Procurator Fiscal Service, and relevant charities, with annual reporting obligations for the Scottish Government.
- Mandatory education on domestic abuse and healthy relationships within the school curriculum.
We particularly welcome the focus on early intervention through education. Prevention is always better than cure — and equipping young people with an understanding of healthy relationships is vital in changing attitudes long term.
Domestic abuse comes in many forms: it is not limited to physical or verbal violence. Victims often face coercive control, emotional manipulation, and financial or economic abuse. It’s essential that the law keeps evolving to reflect this reality.
The Committee is accepting responses to the consultation until 15th September 2025 and is especially keen to hear from individuals with lived experience of domestic abuse.
If you have experienced abuse, you are not alone — and it is never too soon to seek legal advice. Protective court orders are available and can be obtained quickly where needed.
To speak to someone in confidence, contact our experienced team today.
Lynne Collingham is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law.
