South Ayrshire MSP backs bid to introduce national domestic abuse register

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A domestic abuse register would put victims at the forefront of the justice system, says an Ayrshire MSP.South Scotland Tory MSP Sharon Dowey is backing plans from her colleague Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, to see the introduction of a national register.It would work in a similar way to the sex offenders' register, with abusers placed on a database, allowing police or local authorities to act if a potential victim is at risk.As part of the Bill, convicted domestic abusers would have to notify the police if they change address or have a passport, so they can be closely monitored upon being released from prison.

And offenders in Ayrshire subject to court orders would also have to complete mandatory rehabilitation to stop further criminal behaviour.Ms Dowey said: “The SNP have spent years putting Ayrshire’s criminals ahead of victims and domestic abusers have been allowed to roam free in Ayrshire undetected.“That’s why I’m backing my colleague Pam Gosal’s plans for a domestic abuse register, which will empower local police officers across Ayrshire with the right tools to prevent abuse.“By allowing the police to act before potential victims in Ayrshire are in danger, this register would put victims at the forefront of our justice system – allowing the police to prevent this crime instead of responding to it. “The Scottish Conservatives will also introduce designate BAME [Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic] engagement officers to ensure support is accessible for all our communities in Ayrshire. “By making support available across our communities, we can make a start on stamping out domestic abuse from our society.“We want to put victims at the heart of our justice system, and this register will strive to achieve that