News
Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 now in force
After several years in preparation, the most radical overhaul ever of the law on sexual offences in Scotland has now taken place. On 1st December 2010, the new Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act came into force, bringing with it a number of significant changes to the law on sexual offences in Scotland.
The definition of rape is now wider than was previously the case, reflecting a recognition within the law that men as well as women can be victims of rape. Consent is now defined in statute in Scotland for the very first time. Hopefully this will overcome problems caused by the subjective interpretations to which its previous location in common law inevitably left it open. Under the new law, consent is defined as “free agreement” and this is supported by a non-exhaustive list of circumstances which, if proved, will indicate that consent was not present. People with a limited or no capacity to consent (for example the very young, or those with a mental disorder) are also better protected within the terms of the new Act.
Reclaim The Night: Launch Event 16 Days of Action To Eliminate Violence Against Women
Botanic Gardens, Glasgow. 6.30pm - Thursday 25th November 2010
For the 4th year in a row Glasgow Rape Crisis invite you to join them to Reclaim The Night to mark the beginning of 16 Days of Action to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
Come along and join the march to Stop Male Violence Against Women. All welcome.
The march will assemble at Botanic Gardens, at the junction of Great Western Road 6.30pm. The march will then make its way through the West End with a rally at S.T.U.C, Woodlands Road, Glasgow.
For more information contact the Rape Crisis email info@rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk. Details can also be found on:
www.rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk
www.rapecrisisscotland.co.uk
www.16days.org
Rape Crisis Scotland Annual Report
Our Annual Report for 2010 is now available.
RSSLatest posts
- Sex crimes in Scotland reach second-highest level in 54 years
- RCS calls for the Scottish Government and MSPs to work together to introduce key legislation for survivors of sexual crime
- Changes announced by the Sottish Government to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill
- Landmark judgment on corroboration in sexual offence cases
- New figures show a significant rise in number of reported rapes in Scotland
