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MSPs debate the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3
Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell says the amendment falls short of the mandatory granting of a non-harassment order.
Mr Matheson says Linda Fabiani's amendment strenghens the non-harassment regime.
He says the government will support the amendment.
Amendment 17 is duly passed.
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SNP MSP Linda Fabiani
SNP MSP Linda Fabiani explains that at stage 2, she sought to bring an amendment making the granting of non-harassment orders mandatory in cases of domestic abuse.
She suggests women felt let down by courts when the orders were not granted.
Amendment 17 does not demand mandatory non-harassment orders, but adjusts the Bill's provisions to create a presumption in favour of imposing the orders, she says.
An order may not be imposed only if the court is satisfied that it is not necessary for the protection of the victim or children involved in the case, Ms Fabiani clarifies.
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Image source, Scottish ParliamentAmendment 17
Image source, Scottish ParilamentAmendment 11 is also agreed to
Amendment 11 passes, with 89 votes for and 29 votes against.
The rest of the amendments in Group One are agreed to, with the exception of Amendment 13a which is withdrawn by Labour MSP Claire Baker.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentAmendment 10
MSPs back amendment 10, with 90 MSPs backing it and 29 voting against.
Amendment 10 will go to a vote. There will be a short suspension of five minutes as this is the first division.
Image source, bbcPresding Officer Ken Macintosh rattles through the non controfersial amendemnts
MSPs agree to amendment 1, 2 and 3.
They also agree to amendment 14, 4, 15 and 5.
If you want a closer look at these amendment, have a look here., external
MSPs agree amendment 16, 6, 8, 7 and 9.
Michael Matheson says he recognises the issues raised by Ms Baker but suggests the amendment could mean women have to travel further to reach a specialist court.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant suggests non-specialist courts could set aside a day specifically for domestic abuse.
The justice secretary says this already happens at the moment.
Image source, bbcLib Dem MSP Liam Mcarthur
Lib Dem MSP Liam Mcarthur says he shares some of John Finnie's comments on amendments 10 and 11.
Green MSP John Finnie focuses on amendments 10 and 11, confirming he will oppose them.
He argues amendments at stage 2 were deemed competent.
He also suggests there is not parity of access to justice for domestic abuse victims, making the courts "out of step" with other partners.
Image source, bbcTory MSP Liam Kerr says his party will support all of the amendments in Group One, with the exception of 13a which Clair Baker has said she will withdraw.
Labour MSP Claire Baker says she will support the majority of the government's amendments.
She explains there are three reasons for her amendment on the review:
The report will allow comparisons between specialist and non-specialist courts on decision-making, outcomes, and victims' experiences.
Image source, Laura DodsworthLast September, MSPs unanimously backed the general principles of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill.
It is aimed at strengthening and expanding the law on the topic, including specific rules criminalising psychological abuse.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson told MSPs that the number of domestic abuse crimes was "truly shocking".
While other parties outlined additional priorities and policy ideas, MSPs were united to pass the bill at stage one.
Image source, bbcJustice Secretary Michael Matheson
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says a reporting period of three years from the date of commencement will provide more scope for meaningful information on how the offence is operating.
Mr Matheson says the SNP will not support Ms Baker's amendemnt calling for a two year period and he calls on the labour MSP to withdraw her amendment.
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Jusstice Secretary Michael Matheson says his review of operations amendments are intended to provide clarity on the domestic abuse offence and aggravation.
Mr Matheson says amendments 1 and 2 are technical in nature, while amendment 3 tides the requirement to report on the number of cases.
He says he agrees with Labour MSP Claire Baker's amendment on domestic abuse aggravation.
The minister also welcomes Ms Baker's amendment 15 relating to the presence of children.
He details further amendments in this section.