The Justice Committee take evidence on the Domestic Abuse Bill
Today's topical questions features queries about Scottish government action to tackle sexual harassment and violent and abusive attacks on school staff
The government gives a statement on the Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual Target Report for 2015
MSPs debate the promotion of walking and cycling
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson leads a member's debate entitled 'Unfair Police Scotland and Fire Service VAT Charges'
Conservative MSP Annie Wells asks how will the Scottish Government ask women and men to come forward.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney says that "All organisations have to take it seriously. Combination between good procedures in place.
"Equally a relentless approach taken by all of us to ensure this is not behaviour that takes place within our society."
Mr Swinney says he does not underestimate the challenge in coming forward with a complaint.
The deputy first minster says there must be a ready and practical and safe place for individuals to come forward.
He says: "There has to be a change of culture."
Mr Swinney says men must examine their own behaviour.
SNP MSP Sandra White asks what further discussion will they have with other political parties.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney says "It is right we unite across the chamber to show that there is no place for any type of harassment or abuse.
"There will be a meeting this afternoon involving party leaders. I commit the government to working with parliament to address the issues."
Nicola Sturgeon says harassment policies have to be checked
The SNP has begun an internal investigation into complaints about inappropriate sexual behaviour.
The party said in a statement that concerns were raised by two individuals and were unconnected.
Earlier Nicola Sturgeon described claims of sexual harassment at the Scottish Parliament as "unacceptable" and urged a zero tolerance approach.
Ms Sturgeon was talking to BBC Scotland after proposing cross-party talks to examine how best to tackle the issue.
Kezia Dugdale says female MSPs have been harassed at Holyrood
Image source, bbcDeputy First MInister John Swinney says it is the conduct and behaviour of men that has to change to end sexual harassment.
Mr Swinney says, as the most senior male minister, he wants to say men must change their behaviour.
He says Holyrood is not immune from this issue and he encourages anyone who has endured any sort of harassment to report it.
Mr Swinney welcomes the meeting with party leaders later today to help work towards a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment.
SNP MSP Sandra White asks the Scottish government what action it is taking to deal with sexual harassment.
Image source, bbcPresiding Officer Ken Macintosh
The presiding officer will meet with party leaders this afternoon to discuss taking a unified approach across Parliament and political parties to tackling sexual harassment.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie MSP are unable to make the meeting due to prior commitments. T
he Presiding Officer will meet with both on the morning of 31 October.
Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw and Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur will attend this afternoon’s meeting on their behalf.
At 3.45pm Ken Macintosh will provide a short update on the meeting in the Garden Lobby.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentMSPs will now quiz ministers during topical questions.
Reverend Eileen M Ross from Linwood Parish Church give's today's time for reflection.
Reverend Eileen M Ross
Today's topical questions features queries about the Scottish government action to sexual harassment and violent and abusive attacks on school staff.
The Scottish government will then make a ministerial statement on the Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual Target Report for 2015.
Image source, Getty ImagesMSPs will then debate the promotion of walking and cycling as active travel in Scotland.
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson will then lead a member’s debate on VAT charges paid by Police Scotland and the fire service.
That concludes our coverage of the Justice Committee.
Labour MSP Mary Fee proposes a scenario, where a woman victim of domestic abuse, who has children at significant risk, and an EBO has been issued - should the schools the children attend, clubs they go to, which would be known to perpetrator, should that be included in EBO?
Dr Marsha Scott says "We've made our position clear. It's not about the place, it's about the protection around them in their daily lives. Keep our eyes on the prize of safety."
Professor Mandy Burton adds "It's about where she works, rests and plays."
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SNP MSP Ben Macpherson lead a member’s debate on VAT charges paid by Police Scotland and the fire service
Image source, bbcProfessor Mandy Burton
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur asks about the length of time for the banning order.
Mr McArthur asks if there is a risk that two weeks might prohibit the use of an EBO.
Dr Marsha Scott from Scottish Women's Aid says reluctance to use an EBO is a training indicator not a reason not to impose one.
Dr Scott says you might well find there is a reluctance due to property rights being put over human rights.
Professor Mandy Burton from University of Leicester says Home Officer researchers recommended four to seven days.
The academic says it should be at least one week.
DS Gordon McCreadie says extension without judicial review could be up to four to seven days.
Dr Marsha Scott from Scottish Women's Aid says the eligibility for an EBO must not be not be based on immigration status and must not be discriminatory.
Dr Scott says services must be free for the victim and free for the police.
She says: "We can't put in a disincentive to our closest partners in protecting women and children."
Dr Scott says the breach needs to be criminal.
Professor Mandy Burton from University of Leicester says it is not in Austria, where it is a fine of 500 euros.
Professor Mandy Burton says "There is enough evidence from research from Europe, and in England and Wales, that they can be effective and if you get the process around it right they are a useful supplement."
SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon asks "Is there one model we should be aiming for?"
Prof Burton replies: "There is not one country that gets all elements of it right, but Austria is held up as an example.
"Their model is two weeks and can be extended to four weeks.
"There's also funding available that enables the victim to get the support available."
Image source, bbcDr Marsha Scott from Scottish Women's Aid
Detective Superintendent Gordon McCreadie from Police Scotland says he has slight concerns about the pace of the introduction of EBOs in the Domestic Abuse Bill.
Dr Marsha Scott from Scottish Women's Aid: "I am a fan of getting it right the first time
Dr Scott says: "I am very concerned that our window of opportunity with this Bill will close."
She agrees with DS McCreadie there is strong evidence it might be done wrong.
However she says: "This is an opportunity women and children would want us to take."
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