No Hiding for Those with History of Violence Says Rhoda Grant MSP

24th December 2014

Highland and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSP, Rhoda Grant is backing the roll out of an anti-domestic abuse scheme across Scotland following a trial period that was piloted in Aberdeen and Ayrshire in November this year.

The Police Scotland "Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme" which allows for men and woman to request information on whether their partner has a history of domestic violence has already received 15 applications in the trial areas and is being tested in Scotland following the introduction of the scheme in England and Wales following the murder of Clare Wood in Salford in 2009 by her ex-partner who has a previous record of domestic violence and abuse.

Rhoda Grant MSP, a supporter of the scheme said:"There should be no hiding place for people who have a history of violence".

"It is encouraging to see the domestic abuse disclosure scheme being trialled in parts of Scotland and to see that a number of people have used the shceme and sought information from Police Scotland about any history of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is a problem across the whole country and I would like to see people able to access this information no matter where they live and that's why I back a Scotland wide roll out of this scheme".

“We know that Police Scotland often see a spike in domestic abuse cases over the festive period. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse and those affected should speak out and seek help. Hopefully soon domestic abuse disclosure will be made available everywhere to help protect more people in the future.”

The scheme has been developed with the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Women's Aid and Assist advocacy services.

Disclosures through the scheme can be triggered by victims themselves, family members or another member of the public concerned about the victim, or public authorities such as the police or social workers.