stigma

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said it was a "widely misunderstood" verdict that "traumatises" victims and leaves a "lingering stigma on the accused".

Advocates, public officials and social media users of both sides condemned the comment, warning that it risked fueling stigma against people experiencing homelessness or mental illness.

The research from Policy in Practice, a social policy and data analytics company, says awareness, complexity and stigma are the main barriers stopping people claiming.

"The Enhanced Games is trying to reduce the stigma around some of these substances," Proud added.

"In certain households, families weren't comfortable initially in sending women out into spaces for physical activity as it has stigma and taboo attached to it," he said.