News/Blog

5 things you should know about Scotland’s new law on image based abuse

In case you missed it, this July a new law came into force in Scotland on the 'non-consensual sharing of intimate images'. Basically, the sharing of private pictures without permission. This law is part of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm 2016 Act which means that anyone caught sharing or threatening to share somebody else's intimate images could be sent to prison for up to 5 years.

Here’s 5 things you need to know about Scotland’s new law:

Statement on case of Lola Ilesanmi

"We are deeply concerned to hear of Lola Ilesanmi’s story, raised by Hannah Bardell MP in Prime Ministers Questions today.

It is clear that the risk facing both Lola and her daughter is critical, with reported domestic abuse and a high risk that should they be deported, her daughter would be forced to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

FGM is abuse, it is intolerable and the practice has life long medical and psychological consequences for those women and girls who are subject to it.

We recognise that Prime Minister Theresa May condemns the practice of FGM, however we would ask her to recognise the avoidable reality of what Lola and her daughter will be subject to if the current plans by the Home Office to deport the family to Nigeria are followed through.

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre urge the Home Office to look at this case immediately and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Lola and her 3 year old daughter."

Consultation Response: Scotland's Domestic Abuse Bill

'The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre supports the creation of a new offence of abusive behaviour that encompasses both physical and non-physical abuse. We believe that this is a necessary and important step forward in shaping Scotland’s response to domestic abuse, and one that – if implemented and resourced effectively – could improve women’s access to justice.'

Read our full response to the Justice Committee’s call for evidence on the Domestic Abuse Bill by downloading it here.

National Stalking Awareness Week

Since we launched the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre helpline, we’ve had calls from women across Scotland with experience of being stalked be it in the past or present. It is with these women in mind that we warmly welcome National Stalking Awareness Week as an opportunity to highlight the impact of stalking, the influence of technology and as s chance for us all to unite in support of victims of this serious crime.