Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland says the number of domestic abuse cases across Lanarkshire is “appalling”.
Mr Simpson’s call comes after new statistics showed domestic abuse cases across Scotland had reached another record high, having risen for the fifth year in succession.
In North Lanarkshire the number of domestic abuse cases per 100,000 stood at 144, significantly above the Scottish average of 119 per 100,000.
Similarly, in South Lanarkshire the number of domestic abuse cases per 100,000 was 123.
Mr Simpson says by effectively ending a ban on prison sentences of less than 12 months, the SNP have put in place a soft-touch policy that means many domestic abusers are avoiding jail.
He is also calling on all parties to back the Scottish Conservative’s planned Victims Law, which would put victims first.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP, Graham Simpson said: “The number of domestic abuse cases in Lanarkshire is absolutely appalling.
“Every single one of these cases is a stain on our society. The SNP’s soft-touch justice policies contribute to these figures by ensuring many abusers escape jail sentences.
“That is allowing many of these criminals to re-offend and terrorise victims.
“It is time for the SNP Justice Secretary to start putting the interests of victims in Lanarkshire first, instead of the interests of criminals.
“I am proud to support Scottish Conservative plans for a Victims Law, which will ensure victims are at the heart of our justice system, and I would encourage all parties back it.”
Notes: The Scottish Government domestic abuse statistics can be found here - file:///C:/Users/r805675/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/MZCM6E9D/domestic-abuse-recorded-police-scotland-2020-21.pdf
