Chamber and committees

Rape Crisis Scotland submission of 22 October 2021

PE1881/C: Longer sentences for paedophiles and sexual predators

Rape Crisis Scotland shares the concerns of the petitioner Carol Burns that some perpetrators convicted of sexual violence receive sentences that feel disproportionately short to those affected by their actions. We have supported many survivors through our National Advocacy Project who feel that the sentence received by their abuser upon conviction is insufficient for the harm caused which can have a life-long impact.

We welcome the Scottish Sentencing Council’s review of sentencing guidelines for sexual offences and will engage with them as a part of the consultation process.