Scottish Lib Dems call violence against women a national emergency

Commenting ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament later today (Tuesday 2nd December), Scottish Liberal Democrats said that violence against women and girls is “a national emergency” and set out their plans to tackle gender-based violence.

On Tuesday 2nd December, the Scottish Parliament will debate a motion about violence against women and girls.

It comes as the UN launches its 16 Days of Activism campaign, which highlights the harassment, abuse and control women can experience through online and digital spaces.

New crime figures show that reported domestic abuse is up by 22% in Scotland compared to the previous year, while rape and attempted rape are up by 11%.

At their recent party conference, Scottish Liberal Democrats passed a motion which calls for:

• Part 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021- which contains emergency protections for domestic abuse victims- to be commenced and properly resourced without any additional delays.
• ‘Sex’ to be swiftly added to the list of protected characteristics in the Hate Crime and Public Order Act 2021, and a review in the next parliament, with a view to bringing in separate legislation as originally recommended by Baroness Kennedy if required.
• Consistent guidance for schools and local authorities on how to tackle violence against female pupils in schools.
• Measures to prevent further violence against women and girls to be included as part of efforts to rehabilitate prisoners.
• Establishing a single point of contact within a local authority that victims of domestic abuse can speak to in order explain their circumstances, ensuring victims only have to tell their story once.
• All housing and frontline staff to be trained to detect and respond appropriately to domestic abuse and survivors of domestic abuse.
• A presumption that the perpetrator of domestic abuse will be required to leave the shared home, allowing survivors greater choice and agency.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland and Deputy Convener of the Men’s Violence Against Women and Girls Cross Party Group Beatrice Wishart said:

“Today should be a chance for all parties to come together and send a clear message that violence against women and girls has no place in our society.

“It’s devastating that we live in a world where this still takes place, but as MSPs, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to change it.

“Technology is increasingly influencing where and how this violence can take place. We need measures that will address trolling online, stalking through location tracking and the weaponisation of AI to create deepfake intimate images.

“Violence against women and girls is a national emergency- we cannot afford to fall behind in our response. Having this debate today is only the first step; it must lead to serious action that will make life better for all the women and girls suffering right now, and for future generations too.”  

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP:

“Violence against women and girls is endemic- it is one of the most disturbing things about our society today.

“There is still a long way to go before we eliminate it, but the solution lies in coming together and making sure our actions measure up to the scale of the challenge.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have laid out a realistic plan to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms. That includes getting Scottish ministers to finally implement crucial protections contained within the Domestic Abuse Act and end the delays.

“From removing domestic abusers from the family home to properly protecting female pupils in schools, my party are committed to doing everything possible to stamp out misogyny and gendered violence for good.”