Scotland passes landmark Domestic Abuse Bill which outlaws psychological abuse

MSPs have backed a bill which will criminalise psychological domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Bill was passed by 118 votes to 1 on Thursday 1st February.

The legislation includes the offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner”.

Scotland is the first nation in the UK to create a specific offence for domestic abuse, including psychological abuse.

Standing ovation from MSPs for domestic abuse campaigners after the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill was passed at Holyrood. #DABill pic.twitter.com/OA1mTcF2dM

— Lynsey Bews (@lynseybews) February 1, 2018

The new laws will tackle controlling and coercive behaviour that could not easily be prosecuted under the previous criminal law.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her support for the bill on Twitter, crediting Scottish Women’s Aid’s ‘tireless campaigning down the years’.

And it passes! Scotland's Domestic Abuse Bill becomes an Act as MSPs give a standing ovation to those survivors and women who have worked so hard for this. What a day; incredible.

— Scottish Women's Aid (@scotwomensaid) February 1, 2018

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: I pay tribute to all those whose courage and determination after experiencing domestic abuse have helped shape our understanding of what is domestic abuse and what is contained in the new offence of domestic abuse.

“Without them we would not be here today.”