Rise in domestic abuse in Scotland

The main findings in the report include:

• 58,810 incidents of domestic abuse recorded in 2016/17,anincrease of 1% from 2015-16;

• 47% of incidents of domestic abuse recorded in2016/17 resultedin at least one crime or offence being committed;

• the proportion in 2015/16 was 51%—over the past tenyears thispercentage has fluctuated between 47% and 62% in 2009/10;

• incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police inScotlandwith a female victim and a male accused represented 79% of allincidents ofdomestic abuse in 2016-17;

• in 2016/17, the 26-30 years old age group has thehighest ratefor both victims;

• incidents of domestic abuse are more common atweekends with 36%of all incidents in 2016/17 occurring on a Saturday or Sunday;

• 88% of all incidents in 2016/17 of domestic abuseoccurred in ahome or dwelling.

'While figures have been relatively stable over the past five years, they remain evidence of the unacceptable levels of domestic abuse in Scotland. We know these figures don’t paint the whole picture, as victims are often too afraid to report abuse. We also know domestic abuse disproportionally affects women.

It is crucial our work continues with even greater urgency. We have allocated record funding of £20 million over three years towards eliminating violence against women and girls, and we are taking forward legislation to introduce a new offence, criminalising the type of coercive and controlling behaviour that can constitute domestic abuse.

Attitudes towards domestic abuse are changing – it’s no longer seen as a private matter, or no business of criminal law. We are grateful to the police and our partner organisations for the work they are doing to change attitudes and behaviours, and we will continue our campaign to eradicate the scourge that is domestic abuse.'