|
A group of young Mastrick women, who are campaigning to change the law, are hopeful that they are a step nearer to realising their dream.
The Scottish Parliament Justice Committee is submitting the 'Protection From Abuse Bill', which if passed will be the first law proposed by any of the Parliament's Committees.
The Scottish Executive has asked the Justice Committee to include extra powers in the Bill. These would allow any victim of abuse to apply to the court for an interdict with a power of arrest attached. If the interdict were breached, the abuser could be arrested immediately by the police. This extends present powers that are available to married couples and cohabitants to cover a wider range of people.
The members of Enough is Enough have campaigned for 3 years to give women living under the threat of violence more protection. Most recently, they gained the support of local MSPs
Under the Matrimonial Homes (Scotland) Act 1981, an interim interdict can be awarded to women because of the threat of violence. However, it is only awarded with powers of arrest if the couple are married or co-habiting.
"This leaves women who live apart from their violent partners in a very vulnerable position," said a group spokesperson.
"We have campaigned long and hard and this announcement may seem like a small step but it is a significant one for the group. The commitment of the members to help change the law and stamp out domestic violence is stronger than ever."
* The group was set up in 1998 after some young women who attended the Mastrick Young People's Project discussed their own personal experiences of physical, mental and emotional abuse and the apparent loophole in the law was causing concern among them.
For the past three years, the group has worked hard to raise awareness and has gained support from a wide range of organisations, including Grampian Police, Aberdeen City Council, the Zero Tolerance Campaign, Grampian and Aberdeen's Women's Aid and the Domestic Violence Forum.
|
|
