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The Scottish Executive is committed to a secure Scotland where individuals and
communities are free from crime and free from the fear of crime. We are also
committed to supporting the victims of crime.
Our programme for government was set out in the publication "Making it work together". It is no coincidence that the programme contains a specific commitment on stalking and harassment. We share the concern expressed by many people about this matter. We therefore promised to "review the law by 2001 in relation to sexual and violent offenders, including harassment and in particular stalking".
That remit runs much wider than harassment and stalking. It embraces important work currently being taken forward by three high profile committees. Lord MacLean is looking at the sentencing and treatment of serious sexual and violent offenders, including those with personality disorders; the Rt. Hon Bruce Millan is reviewing our mental health legislation; and Lady Cosgrove is chairing an expert panel reviewing the handling of sex offenders in the community.
With this consultation paper, I am pleased to mark a further step towards fulfilling this particular commitment. Harassment and stalking are not only emotionally distressing; they are potentially dangerous. Civilised society does not tolerate such abuse; and we will equip our criminal justice system to deal with it effectively.
The paper sets out the current law and some options for change. There is no pre-conceived agenda at this stage; and I hope that as many of you as possible will let us know what you think we should change. We will listen, and we will act to protect those whose lives are blighted by stalking.
Jim Wallace
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice
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