Written Question · S5W-31833 · Session 5
In light of reports of a convicted sex offender using a dating app to organise a date in which he subsequently sexually assaulted someone, …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of a convicted sex offender using a dating app to organise a date in which he subsequently sexually assaulted someone, what its position is on whether dating websites should be informed about persons on the sex offenders register, and what action it can take to facilitate this.
The answer
I cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case, however this Government is committed to doing all that it can to minimise the risks posed by those convicted of sexual offences. Scotland’s Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) manage the risks posed by such individuals. MAPPA “Responsible Authorities” can, and do, disclose information for the purpose of victim safety-planning and public protection.
In Scotland, disclosure of specific information about a registered sex offender can already take place legally in three ways:the individual can self-disclose;a public interest disclosure can be made by police;and a disclosure can be made by social workers in relation to protection of children and vulnerable adults.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland gives men and women the right to ask Police Scotland about the background of a current or new partner if they are concerned about abusive behaviour.
There are no current plans to routinely make disclosure information available to online dating websites. That does not of course preclude those companies from taking any steps they feel are appropriate to protect users of their services, such as advising them of reasonable precautions they can take to keep themselves safe.
In Scotland, disclosure of specific information about a registered sex offender can already take place legally in three ways:the individual can self-disclose;a public interest disclosure can be made by police;and a disclosure can be made by social workers in relation to protection of children and vulnerable adults.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland gives men and women the right to ask Police Scotland about the background of a current or new partner if they are concerned about abusive behaviour.
There are no current plans to routinely make disclosure information available to online dating websites. That does not of course preclude those companies from taking any steps they feel are appropriate to protect users of their services, such as advising them of reasonable precautions they can take to keep themselves safe.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-31833 by reference.