On Sunday 27th October our campaign hit the news in The Herald on Sunday. The front page report underpins the gravity of the issue and highlights the urgent need for the introduction of mandatory non-harassment orders in the sentencing of sexual offences. 

One survivor shared their experience “It is something that I have tried to contest (the decision not to grant an NHO) but I have realised there is actually no avenue for me to do that."

“The provisions I have made to protect myself and to recover from the crime committed against me should never dictate that protection from the crown is not necessary. The conviction alone should be sufficient grounds for continued protection from the crown,” she added.

 “The prosecution service and the courts are not serving their purpose to deliver justice and protect victims of sexual offences.”

“It really speaks volumes that the very few of us who do get these convictions, that do have substantial evidence that meets the impossible threshold for a guilty verdict to be returned, still aren’t given any protection."

“It’s like we’re used to secure the conviction and then immediately discarded."

In the report, Rape Crisis Scotland have called for further action from the Scottish Sentencing Council. Chief Executive Sandy Brindley commented "The guidelines could, and should, impose non-harassment orders as part of sentencing. Survivors often tell us they are terrified of their rapist contacting them when they are released from jail. NHOs should be considered as part of sentencing to protect survivors and their families when convicted rapists are released."

We worked with RCS to provide informed and experience-led evidence prior to the publication of their consultation response to the council’s draft guidelines for rape.  We’re sure the support of Rape Crisis Scotland will go a long way in bringing this much needed amendment to fruition.

You can read the full statement and related consultation response at their website - rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.

Together, we demand a better standard of care for survivors of domestic and sexual crime from the SSC and Holyrood. We still need your help to do so. If you are able, please continue to share this petition or write to your MSP.

Thank you for your continued support!