Illustration by Kimberly Carpenter

Illustration by Kimberly Carpenter

We’ll back domestic abuse register if matched by more cops, say police officers

Convicted domestic abusers in Scotland may soon have to sign up to a similar register as sex offenders

By 1919 staff

We’ll back domestic abuse register if matched by more cops, say police officers

Convicted domestic abusers in Scotland may soon have to sign up to a similar register as sex offenders

Police officers will support plans to introduce a register for domestic abusers, so long as they are matched by more frontline cops to enforce it.

A bill to create such a scheme – which would operate in a similar way to the sex offenders’ register – is making its way through the Scottish Parliament.

It would ultimately fall on police officers to implement the measure, and the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said it would back the move.

However, general secretary David Kennedy said a register would bring increased workload, meaning more cops on the street would be required.

The Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill is at an early stage in the Holyrood legislative process.

Tabled by Scottish Conservative MSP Dr Pam Gosal, it has won the backing of charities, survivors and – crucially – a cross-party blend of MSPs who will ultimately decide if it becomes law.

The Scottish Government has described the bill as “well-intentioned”, although ministers have concerns about how it would work in practice.

SPF boss Kennedy told 1919: “We are supportive of it. But we need a guarantee there will be enough officers to make sure it works properly.

“It would help us to know if someone is on a domestic abuse register, to know who they are and where they are when a call comes in.

“We are supportive of anything that tackles domestic violence, but we need the numbers to do it without impacting the wider service.”

Supporters hope the creation of a domestic abusers’ register would increase the scrutiny of offenders, protect victims, and impose an additional layer of shame when it comes to being convicted.

Abusers would need to inform authorities of a change in circumstances, which it is hoped will reduce the chances of them moving across the country to offend freely elsewhere.

“This can only work with the hard work and support of the rank-and-file, and I’m aware changes like this must be matched with firm resources to allow them to make a success of it”

Dr Pam Gosal MSP

The bill contains a number of other measures, including mandatory rehabilitation of those convicted, widespread education in schools on the issue, and enhanced data gathering both of criminals and victims.

“I’ve spoken to many police officers about this bill over recent years and they want to see it happen,” said Gosal, an MSP for West Scotland, who hopes it will become law before the parliamentary session ends in March.

“They know this could help them make a big difference in terms of reducing the number of new and repeat victims, the overwhelming majority of whom are women.

“The register is one of many elements of the bill which aims to turn the tide on domestic violence.

“This can only succeed with the hard work and support of the rank-and-file, and I’m aware changes like this must be matched with firm resources to allow them to make a success of it.”

Cases of domestic abuse have risen steadily in Scotland in recent years.

Police record a report of the crime every 10 minutes, while a number of new laws and procedures have been introduced to tackle the scourge.

But critics say the justice system is still too lenient on abusers, whose behaviour often repeats and escalates.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “While we welcome the well-intentioned nature of the Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill, we have particular concerns with how the proposals would work in practice and the anticipated financial and resource implications of specific proposals.

“We will consider the evidence the committee gathers and its recommendations.

“Domestic abuse is abhorrent and has a devastating impact on those affected. It is vital that perpetrators are held to account for their actions and I encourage anyone affected to seek help.

“Our ‘Equally Safe’ strategy sets out a vision to prevent violence from occurring in the first place, build the capability and capacity of support services, and strengthen the justice response to victims and perpetrators.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland added: “All reports of domestic incidents will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

“In addition, there are a number of measures in place which allow Police Scotland and our partners to identify vulnerability and to protect potential victims, including our vulnerable persons database, which allows us to record concerns.

“The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland also provides an intervention which advises people of a partner’s abusive past and supports them to make a choice about the relationship.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to identify and protect people who may be at risk of domestic abuse.”