Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell says ending violence against women is something which has been debated since the parliament's inception and improvements have been made.

Ms Mitchell says in response to statistics showing an increase in violence against women the government has introduced bills to tackle domestic abuse and abusive behaviour.

She says more needs to be done to tackle online abuse and sexual exploitation.

The Tory MSP refers to the systematic sexual abuse in Rotherham which spanned 16 years and involved young people reporting incidents and not being believed.

She says it is a heart-wrenching example of when all the checks and balances do not protect young people. 

Image source, bbc

In October 2015 scheme which allows people to be told if their partner has been violent in the past was introduced in Scotland.

It follows a six-month trial in Aberdeen and Ayrshire which saw 22 people warned that their partners had a history of domestic abuse.

Clare's Law was introduced across England and Wales in March 2014.

The initiative is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her violent ex-boyfriend several years ago.

The 36-year-old was strangled and set on fire by George Appleton in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 2009. She was unaware of his history of violence against women.

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie says the Scottish government is on the way to outlawing revenge porn and she highlights the introduction of Claire's Law to Scotland, amongst its efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.

Ms McKelvie says Zero Tolerance say violence against women is a real social problem in Scotland.

She says "when the new leader of the free world suggests it is ok to sexually assault women then we all know we have work to do."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale says the absence of affordable housing is having an impact on women. 

Ms Dugdale says there are threats to women's services across the country due to funding cuts. 

Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Ross intervenes to say he has just noticed Ms Dugdale's "pathetic political attempt" to criticise him on Twitter and he asks what Labour are doing for women's services in Moray since the cuts have been introduced.

Ms Dugdale says she is meeting with local councils over the cuts.

Ms Dugdale says austerity has an impact on women and girls.

The Scottish Labour leader says housing is critical to help women to get away from abusive relations.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale says her party will support the government's motion as it also wants the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

Here is the Scottish Labour amendment.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Mr Ross says his party supports the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill.

The Tory MSP turns to the Istanbul Convention.

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie calls for the Scottish Tories to push Amber Rudd to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

He says there is UK government support for it but asks for a moment before he address the delay.

Mr Ross says the UK government has confirmed that ratification will take place.

He says the issues will be debated in SNP MP Eilidh Whiteford's debate in the House of Commons.

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross says it goes without saying violence against women and girls is a deeply complex and pernicious crime.

Mr Ross says he was struck that on one day 859 women and 400 children were helped by women's groups.

Scottish Labour leader MSP Kezia Dugdale asks why Douglas Ross as a councillor cut women's aid.

Mr Ross says he has committed to champion the Moray women's aid group.

Here is the Scottish Conservative amendment.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Ms Constance says the Scottish government strategy broadly meets the Istanbul Convention.

She calls for the Scottish Conservatives to explain the inaction of the UK government.

Ms Constance says next year the government will bring forward a plan to focus on making meaningful changes to the lives of women, children and young people.

The equalities minister says violence against women is a violation of human rights. 

She asks for the UK government to commit to work with the Scottish government to ratify the Istanbul Convention.