Consultation to introduce domestic abuse register in Scotland receives ‘huge support’
Proposals for a domestic abuse register have received a huge amount of support following a consultation, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
Pam Gosal MSP’s Domestic Abuse Register Bill would introduce a reporting system for crimes of domestic abuse, similar to the sex offender register.
Just over nine in 10 (91%) of the 249 people and organisations who responded to the consultation were supportive of the plan, with 86% saying they were “fully supportive”.
Organisations which were “fully supportive” included victims’ group No Feart, the British Transport Police, Law Society of Scotland, Pakistan Social Club Scotland, Scottish Iraqi Association and the Association of Indian Organisations.
A number of other organisations were “partially supportive”, including Victim Support Scotland, the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre and Committed to Ending Abuse.
Pam Gosal (pictured) said: “I am very grateful and encouraged by the huge amount of support my Bill proposal has received so far.
“It is a big step in the right direction that so many organisations have indicated they support the introduction of a Domestic Abuse Register Bill.
“This Bill proposal is necessary to crack down on the appalling crime of domestic abuse, which has been on the rise in Scotland for five years now.
“We must do more to support the survivors who suffer this horrific kind of violence and emotional manipulation.
“I hope MSPs from other parties will consider supporting my Bill proposal and I’m pleading with the government to back it so we can work together towards ending this disgusting crime.”
In total 23 organisations voiced support for the proposal.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Cabinet Secretary met Pam Gosal in August to learn more about her proposal for a Member’s Bill to establish a Domestic Abuse Register in Scotland.
“Mr Brown reiterated then that he would be happy to consider any proposals that further our commitment to do more for victims of domestic abuse, where these are evidence-based and complement and enhance our current programme of work.”
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