New statistics published this week indicate that 60,080 domestic abuse incidents were reported to the police across the country in 2012-13. Overall, the number of domestic abuse incidents resulting in a report being submitted to the procurator fiscal have increased significantly from 2003-2004, where only 51% of cases were reported to the fiscal, to 78% last year.

The research also reveals that the most common crime or offence relating to domestic violence recorded in 2012-13 was common assault - accounting for 42% (12,778) of all incidents where a crime or offence was recorded.

The second most common crime or offence was threatening or abusive behaviour at 19% (5,685) of all incidents where a crime of offence was recorded.

The increase in reported incidents was welcomed by the Scottish Government which, nevertheless, continues to consider that the requirement for corroboration represents a barrier to the successful prosecution of such cases.

Women’s Aid manager, Lily Greenan commented:

“We expect reported incidents of domestic abuse to continue to rise as the awareness of domestic abuse increases, professionals receive more training and as a result, women are encouraged to report the abuse they are experiencing to the police. The development of an effective, robust criminal justice response is crucial to the long term prevention of domestic abuse. We commend the high priority Police Scotland has given to tackling domestic abuse since its establishment in April this year.”

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