“like walking blindfolded through a minefield”

This week, The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill was passed unanimously by MSPs at Holyrood.

SafeLives welcome the passing of this new bill: a step forward in the journey towards a justice system that responds better to the feedback of those working, experiencing and living in it. 

While the bill is welcome, particularly in its provision to make permanent some of the court measures that were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, it will not solve the fundamental challenges with the justice system as it exists.  

Survivors have told us that navigating the current justice system feels “like walking blindfolded through a minefield”.

Their experiences show just how important it is for survivors to have professional support, such as court advocacy, to guide them through the process but just as importantly, that the justice system responds to the lived experience and expertise of those who have been through its minefield. 

SafeLives are proud to be part of the Taskforce which has helped to shape how Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews will function in Scotland.

Members of the SafeLives Authentic Voice Panel have been involved in this work, ensuring that lived experience has informed the design of these important processes that, as Frank Mullane, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) said “illuminate the past – to make the future safer.” 

Learn more here:

• DACA Scotland  
• Authentic Voice Panel. 
• SafeLives Scotland.
• Taskforce 
• AAFDA