Fiona Drouet demands specific law against non-fatal strangulation

In recent discussions within the Scottish government, the potential for creating a standalone offense for non-fatal strangulation has taken center stage. This issue was highlighted after the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Emily Drouet, who took her life in 2016 following a prolonged period of abuse that included strangulation. Her mother, Fiona Drouet, has since campaigned vigorously for legislative change, prompting significant attention on the matter from policymakers, including John Swinney. The discussion comes amid a growing recognition that non-fatal strangulation is a serious concern, with reported statistics indicating that many young individuals have experienced such violent behaviors during consensual situations. Currently, Scotland remains the only country in the UK without specific laws dealing with this form of abuse, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the existing common law on assault. During a session of First Minister’s Questions, SNP MSP Michelle Thomson brought this issue to the forefront, arguing that non-fatal strangulation must not be treated simply as common assault due to its complexity and the severe risks associated with it. She cited an Institute for Addressing Strangulation survey, revealing that a significant number of respondents aged 16 to 34 have faced incidents of choking or strangulation. Swinney's acknowledgment of the gravity of the problem is crucial as he promised to keep the law under review and ensure thorough examination of the existing legal framework. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity for a focused campaign to alter male behavior in Scotland, asserting that improving how boys and men treat women is integral to addressing the underlying issues surrounding domestic violence. Tess White, another MSP, highlighted the physical dangers associated with non-fatal strangulation, noting that loss of consciousness could occur rapidly and the risk of irreversible brain damage is significant within minutes. This raises vital discussions about the potential need for a separate law dedicated to addressing this specific form of violence, as current legal mechanisms may not adequately protect victims or hold abusers accountable. The pressing nature of the request for better data collection, awareness campaigns, and clearer prosecutorial guidelines has become apparent as the petition led by Fiona Drouet seeks to ensure the legal system adapts to the realities of such dangerous behaviors. Overall, the call for a standalone law reflects a broader commitment by Scottish lawmakers to address gender-based violence and to ensure survivors gain the support and protection they need. Creating such legislation could also align Scotland with improving practices observed in other jurisdictions, potentially setting a precedent for advancing women's rights and safety.