John Swinney plans to outlaw non-fatal sexual choking

In Scotland, discussions regarding the criminalization of non-fatal sexual choking have gained momentum. John Swinney, the First Minister, has stated a commitment to seriously consider establishing a specific law against this form of abuse, which has currently been categorized under the general law of assault. This initiative aims to address rising concerns over abusive behaviors towards women and girls. Swinney emphasized the need for a cultural shift among boys and men regarding their treatment of women. Fiona Drouet, a campaigner advocating for legal reforms, has been at the forefront of this issue. Her daughter, Emily Drouet, tragically took her life after experiencing abuse while at university. Fiona has launched a petition calling for non-fatal sexual choking to be recognized as a standalone criminal offence, believing that current laws inadequately address the severity of the behavior. In addition to addressing choking, the Scottish government is reviewing the existing legal framework to determine if there are gaps, particularly the appropriateness of a so-called “rough sex” defense in assault cases. The proposed changes aim to create a clearer legal stance against such abusive practices, enhancing protections for victims of sexual and domestic violence. The government’s examination of these legal reforms is part of a broader campaign to foster awareness and change societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. By recognizing and criminalizing specific behaviors, the hope is to contribute to a larger movement toward ending such abuses and fostering a safer environment for all individuals in Scotland.