Police want to speak to Scots MP about rape ordeal
Michelle Thomson moved MPs to tears in the Commons
Police Scotland will contact MP Michelle Thomson after she revealed that she was raped at the age of 14.
The independent MP told the House of Commons she was attacked in a wooded area 37 years ago by someone she knew.
The Edinburgh West representative moved fellow MPs to tears as she told them I'm not a victim, I'm a survivor'' during a debate on the UN's International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women.
It is understood police would make an approach to an individual to see if they want to take matters further if they publicly disclose that they have been the victim of an offence.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Speaking out about sexual abuse is incredibly difficult, and disclosures are often made many years after an incident took place.
"Police Scotland will listen to any such disclosure, regardless of the passage of time, and will investigate.
"Our response is always victim focused and every investigation will be tailored to meet their individual needs."
The MP told the Commons she had known her attacker and afterwards had "bottled it all up inside".
Ms Thomson related how the rape had "fatally undermined" her self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth, and said she had not sought help until her mid-40s.
"I carried that guilt, anger, fear, sadness and bitterness for years,'' she told MPs.
Campaigners have praised her for her bravery in speaking out.
Ms Thomson's decision to share her story publicly was hailed as "brave and important" by Rape Crisis Scotland.
National co-ordinator Sandy Brindley said: "It is not uncommon for women to contact rape crisis many years after a rape and tell us this is the first time they have ever spoken about it.
"Someone speaking so publicly about rape can send a strong message to other rape survivors - that the shame is not theirs, and it is okay to talk about it and to seek support."
Sarah Green, co-director of the End Violence Against Women coalition, said: "Michelle Thomson is to be commended for speaking out clearly about her rape as a 14-year-old girl.
"Sadly, rape is an extremely common offence and thousands of women could tell a similar story to Michelle."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the speech as "very moving and incredibly brave" and said it would help give strength to others.
Other former SNP colleagues of Ms Thomson, who resigned the party whip amid an investigation into property transactions, also praised her bravery.