News and views

Following the Scottish Parliament election on 7th May 2026, SafeLives welcome all newly elected and returning MSPs, and the incoming Scottish Government. We hope, and need, to see increased focus and political attention on the public health emergency that is domestic abuse

We are concerned by recent comments and media coverage around false domestic abuse claims and the immigration system. Migrant victim-survivors must be able to seek safety without fear that they will be disbelieved, punished or treated as suspect because of their immigration status.

Five years after the Domestic Abuse Act became law, too many survivors are still not getting the protection and support they were promised.

SafeLives has appointed Tracey Bleakley as Interim Chief Executive, following Ellen Miller’s decision to take early retirement in early 2026.

Domestic abuse is Scotland’s hidden emergency. Survivors are clear; the upcoming election is a chance to change that.

This is a significant moment for the family justice system and an opportunity to strengthen how children’s voices are heard, recognising children and young people as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.

SafeLives’ statement on the Courts and Tribunals Bill welcomes reforms that prioritise survivor safety, including the removal of the presumption of parental contact and stronger protections for victims. However, we raise concerns about proposals for judge-only trials and call for proper investment in the justice system.

SafeLives has today announced that our CEO, Ellen Miller, is taking early retirement for personal reasons following major life changes. 

The Police Reform White Paper sets out the government’s intention to rebuild trust in policing and improve how police respond to harm, including domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

SafeLives stands ready to work with government, the judiciary, probation and wider criminal justice partners to ensure these reforms deliver genuine safety. Victim‑survivors deserve a system that consistently identifies domestic abuse, reduces risk, and holds perpetrators to account.

SafeLives responds to a new joint inspectorate report, setting out why children must be recognised as victims in their own right and why a whole family approach, specialist support and survivor voice are critical to ending domestic abuse.

SafeLives welcomes the Government’s decision to commission an urgent independent inspection into recruitment and vetting standards at the Metropolitan Police.