Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has named the fight against violence against women a foundational commitment of his government — not a footnote, but a pillar. The pledge arrives against a sobering backdrop: sexual crimes at their highest recorded level since 1971, and a decade of world-leading legislation that has yet to translate into proportionate justice. Scotland's story is one shared by many societies — the distance between a law's passage and a victim's protection can be vast, and it is in that distance that harm continues to live.
Scotland's Violence Against Women Pledge: Can Ambition Become Action?
Violence against women and girls in Scotland is increasing, with sexual crimes at their highest level since 1971, affecting victims' access to justice and safety.
Politics & Governance