Legal Guidance
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018
The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 was established in February in 2018 and implemented in 2019 after significant training was given to judges, sheriffs and police.
The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 was ground-breaking in many ways as prior to 2018, there was no specific crime relating to domestic abuse, and therefore, no recognition of its nature and consequences. This is the first time that coercive control was considered to be a criminal offence.
All forms of domestic abuse are wrong and are against the law.
Disclosing experiences on domestic abuse does not mean you have to report what happened to the police. However, if you feel that you do want to report to the police our staff can support you to do so.
Legal Aid
If at any point you require legal representation, you may be eligible for legal aid. Legal aid is usually given to those deemed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board as being unable to adequately afford the costs of legal representation.
It is important however, not to assume that you will be eligible for legal aid.
For more information about legal aid eligibility on the Government website.
Court Ordered Contact
Below guidance booklet has been written by Glasgow Women’s Aid and is useful in providing information in what to expect. This has been fact checked by a solicitor.
You can view it and download it on the Glasgow Women’s Aid website.
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre provide free legal information and advice to women and children in Scotland who have been affected by violence and abuse.
SWRC have a multitude of guides that are available to the public including information on: immigration rights, ‘revenge-porn’/image-based sexual abuse, exclusion orders, reporting a crime, and so on.
You can view the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre guides and resources on their website.
The SWRC offer a free legal helpline:
08088 010 789
Wednesday 10am-1pm
Thursday 1.30pm-4.30pm