No More Collateral Damage

Across Scotland, a deeply concerning trend is emerging. Some groups, operating under the banner of “public protection,” are engaging in campaigns that target not only individuals with convictions, but also their families—their partners, children, parents, and siblings. These families are often forced from their homes, schools, and communities, not because of anything they have done, but because of who they are connected to.

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This is not a marginal issue. It is a growing challenge to the rights and safety of innocent people, and it demands urgent attention from all of us.

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The Human Cost of Vigilantism

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The activities of these self-styled vigilante groups are not a form of community safeguarding. They represent harassment, intimidation, and, in some cases, real threats to personal safety.

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These groups are known to:

• Organise protests outside people’s homes, often livestreaming and drawing unwanted public attention.
• Share personal information online, such as addresses and workplaces, creating serious risks of harm.
• Drive individuals out of jobs and children out of schools through public shaming.
• Use social media to coordinate harassment, sometimes escalating into offline threats.

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The impact on families is profound—mental health issues, homelessness, social isolation, and trauma are common outcomes. These are real people, often with no involvement in the criminal justice system themselves, caught in the crossfire.

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What the Law Says

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Vigilante-style harassment and intimidation are already addressed in existing Scottish and UK law. There is no ambiguity about the fact that such behaviour is unlawful.

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Key legislation includes:

• Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, which protect individuals and their families from behaviour that causes alarm or distress.
• Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, which criminalises fear-inducing and stalking behaviour, including repeated unwanted contact.
• Breach of the Peace and Public Order legislation, which apply to protests or intimidation at private residences.
• Data Protection Act 2018 and Malicious Communications Act 1988, which address the unlawful publication of personal data and abusive communications.
• The European Convention on Human Rights, which protects private and family life and places duties on public bodies to prevent inhuman or degrading treatment.

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A Need for Co-ordinated Action

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While legislation is in place, there remains a need for stronger, more consistent enforcement and coordination between agencies. We recognise that Police Scotland and other authorities operate within complex legal and resource constraints. This is not about assigning blame—it’s about ensuring that existing laws are applied effectively and that families at risk are not left without support.

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At Next Chapter Scotland, we believe that stronger partnerships between police, prosecutors, support services, and communities can help close the gap between the law and lived reality.

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Our Position

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We work with individuals and families seeking to rebuild their lives after contact with the criminal justice system. Many of them face serious and ongoing risks from vigilante activity. What we see is clear:

• Vigilante harassment is unlawful, and no one should be forced to live in fear.
• Women and children are often disproportionately affected by these acts.
• Rehabilitation and reintegration are made harder, not easier, in a climate of public intimidation.

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We are not asking for people to be given special treatment—we are asking for equal protection under the law.

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What Needs to Happen

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To protect families and uphold justice, we believe the following actions are needed:

1. Consistent enforcement of laws against harassment, stalking, and public intimidation.
2. Training and resources for frontline officers and services to help them recognise and respond to these complex issues.
3. Support pathways for families affected by vigilante activity, including emergency housing and trauma support.

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No Justice Without Safety

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We all want safe communities. But public safety cannot come at the cost of other people’s rights, dignity, or humanity. Protecting everyone—especially those most vulnerable to harm—is essential to building a fair and just Scotland.

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Let’s work together to make that happen.