Time to act on domestic abuse protections - Alex Cole-Hamilton
Always on your side.' These were the last words I wrote to Vikki Solomon after working with her on a law being passed by Holyrood. She was murdered by her ex-partner, Lee Greenan in East Craigs last week.
The Scottish Parliament was due to consider new laws governing procedures like Botox in the beauty and aesthetics industry when Vikki showed up at my office.
A charming and passionate advocate for her industry, she persuaded me of the risk of Parliament getting this legislation wrong and harming reputable providers like her and many thousands of women in Scotland who depend on it to make a living.
My final message was sent as part of a discussion we were having about the work we would do together as the new rules were rolled out.
I am heart saddened that she has been snatched from her family and loved ones. The horror and the brutality of her murder have cast a long shadow over our community. By taking his own life in custody, Lee Greenan has robbed them of answers and justice.
Vikki's murder is a shocking and visceral reminder, if any were needed, that while men are most commonly killed by acquaintances, women are most commonly killed by a current or former partner.
The police recorded 65,000 incidents of domestic violence in Scotland in 2024-25, but domestic violence campaigners point out that's only going to be the tip of the iceberg.
As a society, we have made great strides in calling out domestic violence, but for all the progress we’ve made through the lines we’ve drawn and the laws we’ve passed, men’s violence against women and children is shockingly high.
One obvious step is to make sure that those laws that are passed are then actually rolled out on the ground. Earlier this month, I wrote to First Minister John Swinney to ask when the Scottish Government will finally implement vital domestic abuse protections, which are still not in force despite being passed by Parliament five years ago.
I and others have repeatedly criticised the delayed implementation of this part of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) Act 2021. These delays mean that Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) have still not been rolled out.
These measures would give the police and courts the powers to remove a domestic abuser from the home of any person at risk immediately following an incident.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre has warned that delays to implementation mean victims and their children “remain at serious risk of further abuse and harm”. It remains unclear to me as to why these protections still aren’t in place.
Margaret Atwood once wrote that ‘Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.’ The reality of those words was reinforced this week.
So, I will carry her memory with me and will work across the chamber to reach for measures which prevent domestic abuse, misogyny or sexual violence and improve justice for those affected by it. I will remain on Vikki’s side and on the side of all those at risk of men’s violence.