Stuart Hogg, Former Scotland rugby union captain has been given a community payback with one year of supervision along with a second five-year non-harassment order supervised for a year as an alternative to jail after he admitting to abusing his wife over the course of five years.

Glasgow Women’s Aid expresses deep concern over the recent sentencing of Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, for domestic abuse offences. The sentence handed down, which is markedly lenient in comparison to the severity of the crime, risks undermining the justice system’s commitment to protecting victims of abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.

Hogg’s case, which included coercive and controlling behaviour-a hallmark of domestic abuse- has devastating consequences not only for his partner but also for the children who were subjected to a home environment marked by fear and trauma.

Evidence consistently shows the profound and long-lasting impact such abuse has on children, affecting their emotional and psychological well-being for years to come.

Dangerous Precedent Set for Perpetrators
This sentencing sets a troubling precedent. It sends the message that coercive control and domestic abuse do not carry serious consequences, effectively emboldening other perpetrators to continue their abuse without accountability.

Our experience working with survivors tells us that perpetrators of coercive control rarely stop at one victim. They frequently go on to reoffend, leaving a trail of harm in their wake.

Unacceptable Privileges Remain Intact
Despite his conviction, Stuart Hogg retains his professional rugby career with Montpellier Rugby Club and continues to hold the honour of an MBE. These privileges stand in stark contrast to the suffering of his ex-partner and the trauma of the abuse his children have witnessed. Such disparities reinforce the message that power and status can shield abusers from the full consequences of their actions.

A Call for Change
We call for an urgent review into the handling of this case and to ensure that domestic abuse offences, particularly those involving coercive control, are met with sentences that reflect the gravity of the crime.

Additionally, we urge the Scottish Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Exeter Chiefs and his current club Montpellier, to reconsider their affiliations with Stuart Hogg and any individual convicted of domestic abuse crimes. We also call for an urgent review of the honours system to ensure they reflect values of integrity and respect.