VICTIMS of stalking and sexual abuse must receive a fairer deal in Scots civil law, urged campaigners.

A new initiative, led by Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Ann Moulds and top lawyer Kim Leslie, was launched yesterday to tackle injustices in the civil system.

Ann, who successfully campaigned for tougher criminal laws against stalking in Scotland and across the UK and Europe, said: "We have taken the first, strong steps in a campaign designed to ensure all victims get access to justice in a fair and safe manner.

"The launch was about bringing together a team of the top legal minds in Scotland and we were delighted with the response."

The meeting included representatives of the Family Law Society who, along with victim support organisations such as Women's Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland, the Moira Anderson Foundation and Victim Support Scotland, are expected to be key players in the campaign. It was held at the Edinburgh offices of Digby Brown, whose partner Kim Leslie is leading the campaign alongside Ann.

Kim said: "This was a really positive start to the campaign, bringing together impressive individuals with a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

"We have identified a number of barriers to justice that exist at the moment in the civil justice system.

"The challenge is to find ways of working with Government and others to overcome them. That will be the group's focus over the next few months."

Ann Moulds became the Evening Times 51st Scotswoman of the Year in February in recognition of her efforts protecting victims of stalking. She endured a terrifying two-year ordeal at the hands of a stalker, in what was described at the time as the worst case of its kind in Scotland.

Her attacker was given a lenient sentence and after challenging him in the civil courts, Ann discovered an "imbalance" in justice.

She said: "My stalker got Legal Aid to defend himself and his defence team was also entitled to access my personal information.

"It was a traumatic experience and it highlights the imbalance that exists in the civil court system."

She added: "We hope to engage with the Scottish Government to build on the great work they are already doing, with initiatives such as Safer Scotland."

ann.fotheringham@ heraldandtimes.co.uk