Domestic abuse
The Council is currently developing a sentencing guideline on domestic abuse. Such offences account for a significant, and growing, number of cases heard in Scottish courts. They can present particular challenges in sentencing, including the broad variety of their circumstances, and the need to consider the protection of victims in a domestic context. These offences can cause particularly damaging harm to those affected by the abuse and can inflict lasting trauma.
A guideline will assist courts in sentencing decisions, and aid public understanding of how these sentences are reached.
The Council is carrying out engagement - and conducting and commissioning research - in preparing a draft guideline. The next step will be to hold a public consultation to obtain a wide range of views in order to progress further development.
Current stage
This guideline is currently at Stage 3 of processing and is being dealt with by the Domestic Abuse committee.
Publications
