The latest report from Police Scotland has revealed a worrying 11% increase in domestic abuse crimes over the past year.
Between April and September, 20,271 cases were reported, up from the same period the previous year.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson highlighted that much of the increase stems from psychological abuse, including stalking and coercive control.
While acknowledging that domestic abuse remains underreported, he believes victims are gaining confidence to come forward and seek help.
A recent Scottish Government report sheds further light on the issue:
81% of reported incidents involved a male perpetrator and female victim.
15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim.
3% involved same-sex couples.
Among cases where age was known, 35% of male perpetrators were under 35.
Nearly one-third of incidents occurred over the weekend.
The report also revealed that approximately two-thirds of domestic abuse cases involved individuals previously recorded in domestic abuse incidents.
Dr. Emma Forbes, Scotland’s national procurator fiscal for domestic abuse prosecution, emphasised that the issue goes beyond physical violence.
” Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence. It includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking. Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.”,” she explained.
Assistant Chief Constable Johnson echoed these concerns, describing domestic abuse as a “hidden crime that takes place behind closed doors.”
Police Scotland remains focused on addressing male offending, given that over 80% of reported cases involve male perpetrators.
“Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change,” Johnson said.
