Assault
An assault is an attack upon the person of another. It will normally take the form of a physical attack. The attack does not need to cause injury for it to be seen as an assault in law. An assault can be carried out using hands and feet or weapons such as sticks, bricks or knives. It is also classed as assault if someone spits on you or threatens to set their dog on you.
Aggravated assault makes the crime more serious. Assault can be aggravated in several ways, for example, by the use of a weapon; if the victim was elderly or a child; or if the victim was assaulted in their own home.
Firearms
Scotland does not have a “gun culture”. In Scotland you are allowed only to possess a gun if you have a licence. Possession of a gun without a licence is a very serious offence and could result in a prison sentence.
Weapons
Weapons are objects that can cause harm and include items such as knives and firearms.
You should never carry weapons, particularly knives, in public places. The maximum penalty for possession of a knife is 5 years in prison.
If you take part in an assault and someone dies from being attacked by a knife, you could be sentenced to life imprisonment. This might be the case even if you were not the person who used the knife but you knew that another person involved in the assault had a knife and might use it during the assault.
Sexual Offences
Rape occurs where someone has sex with another without their consent. Anyone can be raped. It does not matter what gender, age or what colour of skin you have. Rape can occur between strangers, friends or family and can occur within a relationship and/or marriage.
The age of consent for sexual activity in Scotland is 16 years old.
It is an offence to cause another person to engage in sexual activity without their consent.
It is an offence for any person, male or female, to sexually assault another person.
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence you can get help and advice from the agencies below:
- Rape Crisis Scotland – 08088 010 302
- Victim Support Scotland – 0345 603 9213
- Police Scotland – 101 (non-emergency) 999 (emergency)
Prostitution
Prostitution is seen as the business or practice of engaging in sexual relations in exchange for payment or some other benefit. Both those engaged in prostitution and those seeking to purchase sex may be liable to prosecution.
Hate Crime
“Hate crime” is a crime committed against a person or property that is motivated by anger or hatred towards certain protected groups.
You are a victim of a hate crime if you believe that someone has targeted you because of your:
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Transgender identity
- Disability
Hate crime can take a number of forms, including, but not limited to:
- Murder
- Physical assault
- Damage to property e.g. graffiti, arson, vandalism
- Intimidating or threatening behaviour including obscene calls or gestures
- Offensive letters, leaflets, posters
- Verbal abuse or insults including name-calling
- Online bullying and abuse
You can report a non-emergency incident to the police:
By calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for less urgent situations • Through the on-line, hate crime reporting form on the Police Scotland website or through a Third Party Reporting Site. http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/hate-crime-andthird-party-reporting/
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a criminal business and is often linked with other organised criminal activity such as prostitution, drug abuse and money laundering. Trafficked people may be vulnerable to exploitation because of their immigration status and economic situation and may be subjected to threats and violence.
If you believe you have been a victim of trafficking contact the police or the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) on 0141 276 7724.
Drugs
Taking drugs can seriously affect your health and may result in death.
There are two types of drugs controlled by law: ones which are always illegal (e.g. cannabis, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, khat etc.) and ones which are illegal unless you have a valid prescription from a doctor or dentist (e.g. morphine, methadone etc.).
It is illegal to possess controlled drugs or to supply controlled drugs to someone else. You may be sent to prison if you supply drugs.
It is illegal to grow cannabis plants yourself or to look after someone else’s cannabis plants
It is illegal to be involved in making controlled drugs.
New Psychoactive Substances which are also known as “legal highs” are very dangerous and you should not take them. If you supply them to another person, you may be breaking the law.
Money Laundering
Having and using money obtained from criminal activity is a crime.
Theft
Theft is a criminal act where property belonging to another is taken wrongfully and without consent. Examples of this are:
- Stealing from a shop (Shoplifting)
- Breaking into a house (Housebreaking)
- Removing goods from someone’s garden
- Car theft
If you are in possession of any goods that you know are or have reasonable belief are stolen then this also is a crime and is known as reset. Theft by finding is also an offence under Scots Law.
Social Media
Social media crimes include sending offensive, threatening or abusive messages and/or images to another person via Twitter, Facebook or any other social media outlet. These could be classed as harmful communications, harassment offences or, sometimes, hate crimes.
You can report any of these matters to the police as well as reporting them to the social media sites. They can take action against the offender by either removing the offensive message or by closing the offender’s account.
Animal cruelty
It is an offence to cause an animal suffering or harm. If you own an animal you must:
- Provide a comfortable and clean environment
- Provide clean and fresh bedding regularly
- Provide suitable food and water
- Provide treatment for a sick or injured animal