The Scottish Government Consultation on Violence Against Women and Girls

1 Jun 2026

The Scottish Government has opened a consultation on improving protection for women and girls within the justice system, including reform proposals.

This consultation focuses on the potential role that changes to criminal law can play in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.

The consultation covers:

• Non-fatal strangulation
• Spiking
• Statutory aggravation – offences committed against pregnant women
• Prosecutorial powers to impose non-harassment orders
• Online and technology-facilitated harm:
  - intimate images offences (relating to deepfakes and nudify apps)
  - general criminal law online and technology related harm
• Further steps that could be considered

Deadline to contribute is 19 June. 

Take part here.