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Closed petition PE1887: Create an Unborn Victims of Violence Act
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to create an Unborn Victims of Violence Act, creating a specific offence that enables courts to hand down longer sentences for perpetrators of domestic violence which causes miscarriage.
Previous action taken
I have previously petitioned the UK government and written to MPs and MSPs on the issue.
Background information
As the law currently stands if a perpetrator of domestic violence causes a miscarriage, still birth or forces a woman to terminate her pregnancy against her will, they cannot be adequately prosecuted, and this leads to lenient sentences being available in court. This Act should not impact on reproductive rights.
I have experienced the loss of three babies due to domestic violence and a forced termination. I was absolutely devastated and grief stricken. I felt incredibly let down because in my experience, the law as it currently stands offered no protection or redress. I believe that the current law cannot adequately prosecute perpetrators who cause such loss through their violent actions or coercive control.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
112 signatures