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Recently published figures from Scotland’s Chief Statistician give a breakdown of domestic abuse offences that took place in Scotland during last year.
The Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2016-17 bulletin shows that:
- In 2016-17 there were 58,810 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, an increase of 1% from 2015-16.
- 47% of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland resulted in at least one crime or offence being committed. The proportion in 2015-16 was 51% (29,906). Over the past ten years this percentage has fluctuated between 47% (this year) and 62% (in 2009-10), with no obvious trend over the longer term.
- Incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland with a female victim and a male accused represented 79% of all incidents of domestic abuse in 2016-17 where gender information was recorded. Since 2007-08 this percentage share has fallen from 85%.
- The 26-30 years old age group has the highest rate for both victims (274 incidents recorded per 10,000 population) and accused (265 incidents recorded per 10,000 population).
- Incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police are more common at weekends, with 36% of all incidents in 2016-17 occurring on a Saturday or Sunday.
- In 2016-17, 88% of all incidents of domestic abuse occurred in a home or dwelling.
According to Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, the latest figures demonstrate the need for the Scottish Government to continue its drive to reduce gender-based violence.
“While figures have been relatively stable over the past five years, they remain evidence of the unacceptable levels of domestic abuse in Scotland,” he commented. “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,” he said. “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,” he explained. “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.”
“As a result of the roll out of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, people who suspect that their partner may have a violent past have the right to ask for information,” added Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Telfer, Police Scotland. “If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, we ask that you please come forward and report it.”
If you have been charged with domestic abuse offences, or other criminal offences, then contact our specialist criminal defence lawyers today.
