Scots law on sexual offences is currently contained in a mix of common law and statute.
The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, which was passed by Parliament on 10 June 2009, reform the law, replacing a complex patchwork of common law and statutory provision with a single statutory framework which accurately reflects the values of modern society.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is currently implementing the recommendations contained in their Review of the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences in Scotland. The report made 50 specific recommendations for reform and a 3-year programme to implement these recommendations was completed in June 2009. More information can be found on the COPFS website.
The COPFS review highlighted prevailing attitudes towards survivors of rape held by a significant minority of the public which blame women for their victimisation. The Scottish Government provided funding in 2008/09 to Rape Crisis Scotland to undertake an information campaign designed to help to address public attitudes towards rape.
Click on the following links to find information on the law on prostitution, human trafficking and pornography
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