“I AM PROUD Scotland is leading the way” on domestic abuse laws, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has said.

On the day that the country’s new prevention and punishment legislation comes into force, Yousaf has said the “groundbreaking” change puts the country at the forefront of attempts to end violence and harm within relationships.

Passed by the Scottish Parliament in February last year, the Domestic Abuse Act creates a specific offence of domestic abuse for the first time.

Welcomed by women’s aid organisations, it also covers non-violent acts, allowing prosecutors to bring charges against perpetrators of psychological and emotional harm.

This includes coercive and controlling behaviours, which the Scottish Government says “can destroy a victim’s autonomy” by limiting their movements, access to money, connections to family and friends and choices over dress, speech and more.

The new laws also recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children for the first time, making that adverse effect an aggravating factor which can allow sheriffs and judges to pass tougher sentences.

The Act also requires courts to consider imposing a non-harassment order on an offender convicted of a domestic abuse offence to protect their victim from further abuse.

A campaign to boost public awareness of the new rules and underlying problems will now get under way.

Commenting, Yousaf said: “The Domestic Abuse Act makes absolutely clear that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and a crime.

“I am proud Scotland is leading the way with this groundbreaking legislation, which uniquely recognises the effect of domestic abuse on child victims as well as adults.”

The Scottish Government hopes the new awareness drive will also encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help.

One survivor, known only as Roshni, has revealed how she succeeded in leaving an abusive marriage with support from Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid in Glasgow.

She stated: “I felt so isolated.”

Appealing to members of the public, the 29-year-old said: “At first the marriage was so good, but after a few months I realised there was something wrong.

“He didn’t give me any money, so I always had to stay at home.

“He was always pushing me and abusing me in front of my family and friends.

“This was a really bad situation for me, I wanted to live with respect as a person. If you feel like you are in my situation being controlled or abused by your partner, seek help, it’s your life.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, crime and protection lead for Police Scotland, said all ranks within the force, as well as its civilian staff, have undergone specialist training to prepare for the change. She said: “This new offence is groundbreaking. For the first time, it will allow us to investigate and report the full circumstances of an abusive relationship.

“In preparation for the change in law our officers and staff have received further training on the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships to help recognise the signs, identify investigative opportunities and to tackle the myths and misconceptions of abuse that still exist.

“This new offence is a clear warning to abusers that all forms of domestic abuse are criminal and that perpetrators should expect to face the full consequences of their abusive behaviour.”