New legislation designed to improve protection for the victims of domestic abuse, drawn up by Glasgow University academics, has become law.

Clare Connelly, senior lecturer in the University of Glasgow Law School, and post-graduate James Clark, co-wrote the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill on behalf of Rhoda Grant MSP and the Bill was passed with unanimous cross party support in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 16 March.

Clare Connelly said: "The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011 will improve access to justice and the protection available for all of those subjected to domestic abuse. This Act removes the requirement for a course of conduct before a non-harassment order to protect against domestic abuse is granted.

“The Act makes it a crime to breach an interdict granted with a power of arrest to prohibit domestic abuse. Giving the police and prosecution services the full powers to act against perpetrators will be welcomed by all.

“It has been a pleasure working with James Clark, Liza Gilhooly and Rhoda Grant MSP, who is to be commended on bringing this Private Members Bill before the Parliament."

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Senior Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

Clare Connelly, Director, Contemporary Law and Practice Programme Senior Lecturer 
School of Law, University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 4556

First published: 16 March 2011

<< March