MSPs consider plans for lessons learned reviews after domestic abuse deaths

MSPs are to consider if plans for “robust” reviews after all deaths links to domestic abuse are the “best approach” to take.

The Scottish Government has put forward legislation which, if passed, would require such work to take place following the death of a person where abuse by their partner or a former partner is known or suspected, as well as after the death of a child in similar circumstances.

Criminal Justice Committee convener Audrey Nicoll said given the “devastating impact of domestic abuse”, MSPs are “keen to hear views on the Bill’s proposal to create a new model for reviewing deaths attributed to abusive behaviour within relationships”.

Ms Nicoll added: “We want to know if the lessons learned reviews are the best approach in attempting to reduce incidents of this nature.”

The review system is planned as part of the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill – which also sets out to make permanent a number of changes to the justice system that were introduced during the Covid pandemic.

These cover the use of electronic signatures on court documents, sending court documents electronically, virtual appearances at criminal court hearings, as well as increased limits on the fixed penalties that can be offered by procurator fiscals as an alternative to prosecution.

Here, Ms Nicoll said MSPs want to hear if the changes the legislation seeks to make permanent have been a “positive step or not”.

Those interested have until January 10 to submit their views to the committee.