SALTCOATS Councillor Jean McClung’s motion commending the Scottish Government for the passing of its innovative Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act was passed unopposed at a recent meeting of North Ayrshire Council.

The motion, which was seconded by her fellow SNP Cllr Anthea Dickson, also commended the sterling work of North Ayrshire Women’s Aid and the Young Voices and commits the council to continue its work with Community Planning and Community Justice Ayrshire partners to reduce domestic violence, raise awareness of the legislation and promote the support which is available to families affected by domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act recognises as a criminal offence, not only the more obvious forms of domestic abuse involving physical and sexual violence, but also its more subtle manifestations, which may take the form of isolating one’s partner from friends and relatives, controlling his/her day-to-day activities, and frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing said partner or ex-partner. It also recognises that children can be used as pawns in such abuse, and can suffer long-lasting psychological effects both from witnessing acts of violence, and being used as psychological “tools” to punish a partner or ex-partner.

Councillor McClung stated: “Since joining the council I have discovered, through talking to staff, volunteers and clients of Women’s Aid, that the service provided is invaluable.

“I believe this new Act will send out a clear message that domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable in Scotland today.”