Further rise in domestic abuse cases, official figures show

Levels of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland rose again in 2017-18, with an increase of 1% compared to the previous year giving a total of 59,541 incidents.

It follows a similar rise in 2017-18, but the Chief Statistician's Office, which released the figures, said levels had remained relatively stable since 2011-12, with around 58,000 to 60,000 incidents a year. 

In 2017-18, 44% of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland resulted in at least one crime or offence being committed. This figure has fallen from 51% two years ago, but again has fluctuated between 47% and 62% over the previous 10 years.

The crime or offence most frequently recorded as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2017-18 was common assault (37% of all crimes and offences recorded). This was followed by breach of the peace etc, which accounted for 31% of offences.

Incidents that do not include a crime or offence often involve arguments without physical confrontation or threatening behaviour, but which result in one of the parties, or a third person, contacting the police; or unwanted communication or attempted communication; or the police being contacted without reference to a specific incident.

Where gender information was recorded, around four in every five incidents of domestic abuse in 2017-18 had a female victim and a male accused. This proportion has remained very stable since 2011-12.

The 26-30 years old age group had the highest rate for both victims (272 incidents recorded per 10,000 population) and accused (246 incidents per 10,000 population).

Recorded incidents are more common at weekends, with 35% of all incidents in 2017-18 occurring on a Saturday or Sunday; and 88% of all incidents occurred in a home or dwelling.

Responding to the figures, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf said: "It is sobering to see the level of domestic abuse cases in Scotland remaining unchanged from previous years. As a society we must work collectively to reduce this number – making clear that such behaviour is unacceptable. This includes educating young people about healthy, positive relationships and challenging those who minimise the impact of abuse or gender-based violence.

"At the same time domestic abuse laws coming into force next year will help police and prosecutors to better tackle coercive, controlling abuse that can have as devastating an impact as physical assaults. Police Scotland is delivering consistent, robust enforcement across the country which, alongside their disclosure scheme and the new laws, will help ensure there is no hiding place for those who think they can continue to abuse partners ‘behind closed doors’."

Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, Crime and Operations lead for Police Scotland, added: "Anyone reporting abuse to the police will be taken seriously, they will be listened to and their report will be investigated. We will continue to work alongside others in Scotland, including victim support and advocacy services to ensure support is available throughout the criminal justice process, and to keep people and their families safe."