Via James, J4MB: The start of the piece, emphases ours: A bill to criminalise psychological domestic abuse has been passed, with some campaigners saying it “could change Scotland forever”.The Domestic Abuse bill, which has wide backing, creates a specific offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner”.
This includes psychological abuse such as coercive and controlling behaviour as well as violence.
Critics claimed it could be difficult to gather sufficient evidence.
However MSPs voted by 118 to one to pass the legislation, with every member speaking in favour during the final debate.
It later emerged that Conservative Margaret Mitchell – who had spoken of the “total consensus” behind the bill – had recorded the only vote against. She said she pressed the wrong button during the vote and blamed the mistake on not wearing her glasses. [J4MB: We need more women in politics.]
Members stood to applaud domestic abuse survivors in the public gallery after the result was announced.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said it was a “momentous day”, saying laws would now “reflect the experience all to many women have suffered”.
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