Last week, the Criminal Justice Committee at Holyrood debated crucial amendments relating to Non-Harassment Orders (NHOs). First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to MSPs Maggie Chapman, Pam Gosal, and Sharon Dowey for their commitment to strengthening protections for victims and raising amendments to this effect. I am humbled by their recognition of the work that both myself and others have done to drive progress in this area.

During the meeting, MSPs presented a range of proposals to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Angela Constance, aimed at ensuring that victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences are granted protective orders as a fundamental right upon conviction. I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s openness to working with MSPs ahead of Stage 3 to draft amendments that prioritize survivors’ safety. However, it is clear that simply extending the existing provisions in the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act to cover sexual offences does not go far enough. She must address the ability of judges to unfairly refuse NHOs or give redundant justifications for doing so.

I will continue to work alongside MSPs to push for:

• Mandatory NHOs for all victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences who indicate a desire for one.
  
  OR
  
  
• A right to appeal that allows victims to apply directly to the court for a review whereby an NHO is refused at sentencing.
  (In addition to comprehensive training & a framework for judges that clearly sets out appropriate reasons to grant/refuse an NHO)
  
  

It is encouraging to see MSPs actively engaging with victim advocacy services - those best placed to provide expert insight into what truly works for survivors navigating the justice system. The Cabinet Secretary must fully consider this evidence to ensure that the amendments introduced at Stage 3 deliver fair, lasting protections that leave no room for for victims to fall through the cracks unprotected.

You can watch the debate on SPTV & read the official report on the Scottish Parliament website.