News/Blog
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.’
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.
Gender, Justice and Legal Aid in Scotland
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre comments on the Law Society’s research on The Financial Health of Legal Aid Firms in Scotland
A gap exists in Scotland between women experiencing violence or abuse, and access to justice. The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) is a unique collaborative project that exists because of – and works to try and bridge – this gap, working with and supporting women to achieve justice through legal advice, representation and advocacy. We are funded by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
The SWRC recognises that legal aid is a critical piece in the complex jigsaw puzzle that makes up justice in Scotland. The diagnosis from the most recent health check of legal aid by the Law Society is of pressing concern.
Scotland’s new Domestic Abuse Bill is published
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre welcomes the launch of Scotland’s new Domestic Abuse Bill.
At the moment, there is a significant gap between criminal justice responses to and the evidence and experience of women who are subject to domestic abuse. Without legislation that encompasses and criminalises the broad range of abusive tactics perpetrators use against victims, including psychological, emotional, financial, sexual and physical abuse, women are too often left vulnerable, unsupported by the legal framework and unable to access justice.
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