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Scottish Women's Aid Lobbying Event

UK Supreme Court Cadder judgement information

Following a landmark decision by the UK Supreme Court, the Scottish Government introduced emergency legislation which means that police can no longer question suspects without a lawyer present. Peter Cadder, who was convicted for assault based on evidence obtained before he spoke to his lawyer, made an appeal based on European human rights laws which was upheld. The new Scottish legislation introduces a right of access to legal advice before being questioned, extends the period during which a person may be detained under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, powers to adjust legal aid eligibility rules and measures to ensure certainty and finality in concluded cases. The Supreme Court judgement does not permit closed cases to be reopened and as such will not be retrospective.

Anyone with queries or concerns about the Cadder judgement or its implications for their cases can find out more detail on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal  website at http://www.copfs.gov.uk/ or call the enquiry point number: 0844 561 3000. Anyone who may has moved or changed contact details should update the enquiry point or the PF office which dealt with the case with their new details. COPFS has details of all victims and witnesses. If the enquirer is able to supply a PF reference number, the name of an accused or even the PF office which dealt with the case, that will help to speed this process up.

Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline Three Years On

Lifeline for survivors of sexual violence celebrates 3rd anniversary

Rape Crisis Scotland’s National Helpline celebrated its third anniversary on Monday 11th October 2010. Since the Rape Crisis Scotland helpline was launched on 11th October 2007 it has received a total of 7,792 calls from members of the public. The helpline, which is funded by the Scottish Government, provides initial and crisis support to anyone affected by sexual violence. Helpline workers, who comprise a mixture of paid workers and volunteers, staff the helpline which is open every night of the year between 6pm and midnight.

Media updates to 9th September 2010

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