This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Domestic Abuse conference
05/12/2005
Vulnerable witness legislation is providing 'vital protection' to anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland, a special conference in Edinburgh was told today.
The one-day conference is looking at all aspects of domestic abuse will hear how the prosecution service in Scotland is working with partners in the criminal justice system to ensure domestic abuse offences are dealt with effectively, and necessary support is provided to victims.
Solicitor General Elish Angiolini QC said:
"The vulnerable witness legislation along with other laws are capable of providing vital protection to those experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland.
"I am convinced that these laws together with a will within our communities to tackle domestic abuse where it is encountered, provide the key to ending this violence, which is perpetrated in the home, but characteristic of the wider culture of violence which we see in society."
Also scheduled to speak at the conference are Johann Lamont MSP, Deputy Minister for Communities, and Peter Wilson, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS).
The first phase of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 was implemented on April 1 for child witnesses in High Court and Sheriff and jury trials. Phase 2, commencing April 1, 2006, applies the same provisions to vulnerable adults in solemn cases.