New domestic abuse laws come into force in April

Humza Yousaf

The Domestic Abuse Act 2018, passed by the Scottish Parliament last year, creates a new offence which explicitly covers psychological harm as well as physical harm, addressing a gap in the criminal law.

A consultation has also been launched, seeking the public’s views on the creation of protective orders to give the police and courts new powers to bar an individual from a home that they share with a person at risk of domestic abuse and prohibit them from contacting that person.

Views are also sought on whether changes are needed to existing provisions on exclusion orders, which suspend the right of a married person, civil partner or cohabitee to live in the family home.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Domestic abuse can shatter lives and rob victims of their confidence, self-esteem and even their home. The new measures which come into force in April can make a real and important difference to people who experience these crimes and will make it absolutely clear that this behaviour is wrong and can be prosecuted.

“We know that domestic abuse is a significant cause of homelessness and that is why we are consulting on the creation of new protective orders to safeguard those at risk. We are particularly interested in hearing people’s views on how these orders can best be implemented.”