SCOTTISH Women's Aid chief Marsha Scott has praised victims of psychological abuse for coming forward – saying their bravery is a step towards a “transformed Scotland.”

The domestic abuse boss revealed she was optimistic that a number of people in Glasgow have reported the offence since the new legislation was introduced on April 1.

Her comments came after the Evening Times revealed that 11 men in Glasgow are currently being probed by prosecutors for the crime.

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Nine domestic abuse cases have been raised for criminal proceedings in the city since the legislation came into place – including seven for the new offence.

Two were reported under existing laws, while a further two cases remain under consideration.

Dr Scott, chief executive for Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “I’m very excited that we have had a number of people come forward to report offences like these already.

“The police and crown office were keen to have a law for coercive control and controlling and abusive behaviour that involves emotional and psychological abuse.

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“There were a few people who were sceptical but I think that the fact that the bill was passed virtually unanimously proves that people understand that domestic abuse is so much more than physical assault.

“Seeing the numbers so quickly is really confirming for us and we are very optimistic about the criminal justice’s response to the new law.

“Of course the proof will be in the pudding and mistakes will be made but we are working very carefully around that and looking forward to seeing a transformed Scotland as a result of this legislation.”

Our report yesterday told how all of the cases reported to Glasgow prosecutors have so far involved men.

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The Scottish act now covers not just physical abuse, but psychological and emotional treatment and coercive and controlling behaviour, where abusers isolate victims from loved ones or control their finances.

More than 500 Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) staff have been trained in criminalisation of the new law.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with partners, including Police Scotland, and third sector organisations to ensure that the criminal justice system is ready for the law coming into force.

It has provided £825,000 to Police Scotland for more than 14,000 officers and support staff to receive training.

Marsha continued: “I think everybody is working very hard to be ready for the implementation.

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“I do think the debate around the new law has changed public understanding.

“But I still think we have a really big job to do to help the Scottish population understand what happens when domestic abuse is perpetrated and who is responsible and how we’re going to eliminate it.

“There’s still a very big mountain for us to climb but this law really enables us to get a few steps up that road.

“Women and children have been telling Women’s Aid for 40 years that it’s the psychological and emotional abuse that is the most traumatic.

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“It’s not a surprise to victims about this, what it is that we finally have a law and we’re beginning to have a country that takes their experiences seriously.”

A seminar is to be held in Edinburgh on June 11 by the charity to highlight the new law.