The Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland is calling on housing associations and local authorities to recommit their support for their domestic abuse campaign, Make a Stand, at Scotland’s Housing Festival 2025, opening today (Tuesday 4 March 2025) at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The professional body for people who work in housing is taking the opportunity of its annual conference in Scotland to raise awareness of the housing sector’s responsibility to victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
The Make a Stand campaign was launched in 2018 to encourage social landlords to commit to making positive changes in their practice to support victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
Despite over 70 social landlords in Scotland pledging support to the campaign, we know from our own research that most social landlords do not have an appropriate domestic abuse policy. This means they are not adequately addressing the main cause of homelessness for women.
While the Housing (Scotland) Bill currently being considered by Parliament will require all social landlords to have a policy, CIH Scotland is calling for Scotland’s social landlords to get ahead of the requirement and commit to a policy and approach that will help address the housing emergency for those experiencing domestic abuse.
In his opening address to over 500 housing professionals at Scotland’s Housing Festival 2025, Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland will call on delegates to “recommit to Make a Stand to help improve housing outcomes of women and children experiencing domestic abuse.”
CIH Scotland recently submitted to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s inquiry on financial considerations on leaving an abusive relationship and within that evidence, cited its 2023 report Policies not Promises which highlighted the need for a consistent approach from social landlords to how victims are supported with financial concerns.
Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland stages its annual Housing Festival to bring housing professionals together from a wide range of disciplines to gain and share learning, collaborate and build relationships.
From motivational keynotes to roundtable discussions and networking activities, the festival provides access to a packed line-up of leaders and academics from a wide variety of disciplines, all committed to supporting everyone’s right to a safe place to call home.
Raneem’s Law has launched to embed the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across five forces and ensure victims receive specialist support
Delivering on a UK Labour manifesto commitment, Raneem’s Law has been launched to embed the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across five forces to ensure that victims of domestic abuse receive more specialist support.
West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Humberside Police are all pioneering this new approach to improve the police response to victims of domestic abuse.
This is part of the government’s mission – underpinned by their Plan for Change – to better protect victims, pursue perpetrators and halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
These domestic abuse specialists will ensure that calls for help are properly assessed, managed and responded to. Specifically, their duties can include:
providing advice to officers responding to incidents on the ground
reviewing incoming domestic abuse cases and their risk assessments
listening in to live calls and providing feedback to call handlers on victim engagement
facilitating training sessions on domestic abuse for force control room staff
ensuring victims are referred to specialist support services
using expertise and understanding to manually check over the decisions made by 999 call handlers and identifying any missed opportunities to safeguard victims
supporting the use of innovative technology such as responding to victims via videocall
The UK government will work closely with these first forces to gain insight and understanding into how this new approach is working, to inform a national roll-out across all 43 forces and new statutory guidance for Raneem’s Law as soon as possible.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Every 30 seconds, someone calls the police about domestic abuse – over 100 people every hour seeking urgent help.
“That’s why we are determined to overhaul the police emergency response to domestic abuse, making sure that victims get the specialist support and protection they need. That must be Raneem and Khaola’s legacy.
“West Midlands has been determined to learn the lessons from the way Raneem and her mother were so badly failed and it is welcome that they, Bedfordshire, Humberside, Northumbria and Northamptonshire are all pioneering this ambitious approach to deliver the best possible response to victims at the worst time of their lives.
“We need to change the future for others, where we couldn’t for Raneem, as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.”
For too long, crimes disproportionately impacting women and girls have not been met with the specialist response they require.
Domestic abuse affects more than 2 million people every year, with the police receiving a call about it every 30 seconds on average. Yet only 1 in 5 victims are estimated to report incidents to the police.
Raneem’s Law was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018.
There were 13 reports made to the police about concerns for Raneem’s safety, but no arrests were made. On the night she was killed, she rang 999 four times but the police did not respond in time.
To deliver a step-change in approach to tackling this appalling crime, the government will provide £2.2 million to fund the first stages of Raneem’s Law over the next financial year.
Nour Norris, lead campaigner, aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem, said: “Raneem called for help, and today, the system finally answered.
I can’t express enough how deeply emotional and significant this moment is. After six relentless years of campaigning for justice, I am returning to the force that failed my sister, Khaola, and my niece, Raneem.
“West Midlands Police had the chance to save them. Raneem called 999, desperate for help, but the system did not listen. It did not act. And because of that failure, we lost them.
“I refuse to point fingers or place blame. I believed in change, and I believed in people wanting that to happen. Working alongside the government and the police, especially West Midlands Police has been a journey of change. Raneem’s Law is now being implemented, and with it, a fundamental shift in how victims of domestic abuse are supported.
“Raneem deserved the help she needed, my sister, Khaola, who broke my heart because she was caught in all of this, deserved to live around her children. This is not just about saving lives; it is also about ensuring that victims who survive have the chance to truly live, free from fear and harm. They deserve safety, dignity, and a future.
“This moment proves that change only happens when we refuse to accept failure. We cannot wait for another tragedy. We must build the safeguards that should have been there all along. And while nothing will bring Khaola and Raneem back, their voices, struggles, and sacrifices have led to a law that will save lives. Their legacy will live forever.
“Because the scale of violence against women and girls is a national emergency, earlier this month we announced a new intelligence-led national policing centre for England and Wales. Backed by £13 million, the centre will bring together around 100 officers to focus on tackling crimes such as domestic abuse, stalking, rape and sexual offences and ensure that victims are protected.”
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said: “Raneem’s death showed us the devastating cost of missed opportunities.
“Behind every 999 call is someone’s daughter, mother, sister or friend in fear. That’s why getting the response right the first time, every time, is absolutely crucial. Embedding specialism and expertise into 999 control rooms will ensure that when victims make that brave call for help, they get the expert response they need.
“Working alongside Nour has shown me the true meaning of courage and determination. Her fight for Raneem’s Law, to change things for victims of domestic abuse before it is too late, will save lives. We are determined to halve violence against women and girls in a decade and won’t stop until every victim, up and down the country, gets the protection they deserve.
“Under our Plan for Change, we are taking the serious action needed to drive change across the country. Launching Raneem’s Law is another part of our effort to ensure that government and law enforcement can effectively tackle these unacceptable crimes.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said: “When a victim reports domestic abuse, they must have confidence that they will be protected from harm, which is why it’s so important that we get our response right from the moment we are called.
“Forces work hard every day to ensure victims receive the right response and support, and embedding expertise and victim advocacy at the earliest opportunity is vital.
“It’s important that we are both evidence and victim-led in our approach, and I would like to thank the victims and survivors, families and support organisations that continue to work with us to improve policing’s response to domestic abuse.”
Police Scotland and Education Scotland have come together to deliver YOU, ME, TOGETHER, a resource for secondary school pupils to make them aware of domestic abuse and the wider issue of violence against women and girls.
A video has been released on our social media channels after an event on Thursday, 28 November, 2024, when teachers at Loudoun Academy in Galston and officers provided young people with information about domestic abuse, including themes of coercive control, inappropriate relationships and peer pressure.
Teachers have a number of a resources to work with to help facilitate open and safe discussions about what can be an emotive subject for young men and women. The package includes a short film (add hyperlink to trailer) which follows a story line of coercive control between young people in a school setting and shows the warning signs to look out for.
YOU, ME, TOGETHER demonstrates that if we all work together, we can tackle domestic abuse. The emphasis being on victims, friends, family, supporters, partner agencies, professionals and police all working together.
Detective Inspector Phillip Kennedy said: “This programme is aimed at young people at an age when they are starting to form relationships.
“Domestic abuse can be a problem at any age but You Me Together aims to address any issues and promote positive behaviours.
“The programme talks about healthy relationships but also about the warning signs when things are not right. It is about empowering young people, giving them advice and information, and helping them make a choice and take action when something doesn’t feel right.
“By helping to educate young people, we hope that in the longer term this will reduce the likelihood of abusive behaviour developing and reduce incidents of domestic abuse.”
Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities said: “I was very pleased to join with Police Scotland and Head Teacher David Falconer for the launch of the new resource You, Me, Together at Loudoun Academy.
“East Ayrshire schools were involved in the development of the resource through the pilot project in 2022 and are proud to have had a role in shaping its development.
“I am also pleased that this took place during the 16 Days of Action campaign, which continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence and encourages us all to take action to support women and girls in our communities.
“Last year, the Police recorded 1552 reported incidents of domestic abuse in East Ayrshire. There is no doubt that action is required to reduce the number of women and children affected by domestic violence, but we all understand that there is also no quick fix. Education is essential and resources like You, Me, Together take a long-term approach with the aim of encouraging positive behaviours among our young people that they will take into adulthood.”
The resource was initially piloted in 2022 in schools across Scotland reaching more than 1000 pupils, with feedback supporting the enhancement of the resource to meet the needs of students.
In 2023 all high schools in Ayrshire supported the delivery of the resource which has now been developed into a more accessible online interactive format to support national delivery to students in all areas of Scotland. It will be delivered within the existing personal and social education curriculum (PSE).
Police Scotland is committed to tackling gender-based violence and abuse, as highlighted in our prevention campaigns including the recent That Guy campaign and our support for the annual 16 Day of Activism campaign.
A key part of this work is building relationships with partners and working with them on a regular basis to highlight and make people aware of their messages too.
Police Scotland, supported by Heriot-Watt University, has created a series of British Sign Language (BSL) videos aimed at the deaf community affected by domestic abuse.
The series, comprising 13 videos, provides crucial information on domestic abuse, including how to recognise abusive behaviours and how to report them. These videos are available on the Police Scotland website, offering accessible resources for the deaf community.
Professor Jemina Napier, Chair of Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University, collaborated with Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit (DACU) and its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit to develop the project.
As a leading expert in the field of sign language interpreting and translation, Professor Napier brought extensive experience, having led significant studies such as Justisigns2 and SILENT HARM, which were among the first UK research efforts to document the unique experiences of deaf women surviving domestic abuse and communicating via interpreters.
In this latest project, Professor Napier led a mixed deaf-hearing team of experts who created a BSL glossary of 33 key terms related to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. This glossary was integral to the videos, ensuring that critical concepts were accurately conveyed in BSL.
Professor Napier explained: “The translation of the videos was made possible through generous support from the Heriot-Watt University Impact Acceleration Fund, allowing us to effectively donate the BSL-translated videos to Police Scotland.
“Collaborative research and evidence-based development of resources like these are essential to ensure that deaf individuals reporting domestic abuse have equitable access to information, services, and support. It also ensures that BSL interpreters are equipped to meet the needs of deaf BSL users in such sensitive contexts.”
Early next year, Professor Napier will begin a new project examining the impact of domestic abuse on families across the UK.
The 12-month study will involve interviews with deaf survivors of domestic abuse and practitioners, documenting the impact on children as co-victims if they get drawn into interpreting for their deaf parents in domestic abuse situations.
The new Police Scotland videos tackle some of these barriers by translating key information into BSL. Topics include questions such as “What is domestic abuse?” and “What can I do if this is happening to me?”
Detective Constable Sarah Winters, from Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit, has been working with Professor Napier on the development of these videos.
She said: “The opportunity to collaborate on these groundbreaking projects has been one of the most profound and humbling experiences of my career. I feel incredibly privileged to have learned directly from those with lived experience.
“Their courage and insights have not only broadened my understanding but reignited a determination to drive meaningful change. The work is far from over – this is the start of a dedicated journey to ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse have access to the resources and services they need, delivered in a way that truly supports and empowers them.
“Partnering with Professor Napier and HWU has been a truly enriching experience, showcasing the power of collaboration in achieving transformative progress.”
Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.
Between April and September 2024 there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes according to Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.
The figures have been published as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.
“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.
“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”
Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.
Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.
Assistant Chief Constable Johnson continued: “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. There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.
“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.
“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”
Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.
“Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner. 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.
“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.”
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.
“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.
“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”
Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.
“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.
A number of cases sentenced during 2024 have seen young men given custodial sentences as a consequence of committing domestic abuse offences towards partners or ex partners:
Christian Schonenberger (aged 22) from Dundee was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to offending against a female and two charges of animal cruelty over a 12-month period. He was given an extended seven-years and six months sentence (four years six months custodial term), a 99 year non harassment order, a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
John Allen (aged 28) from Denny was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of their relationships. He was given an extended 13-year sentence (nine-years custodial term), and indefinite non harassment order and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
Charles Fyfe Morrison (aged 27) from Paisley was sentenced in July 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of a four-year period. He was given a nine-year extended sentence, (seven years custodial term), a non harassment order for 15 years and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
Robert McGovern (aged 20) from Edinburgh was sentenced in March 2024 in relation to numerous offences against six females over the course of a six-year period. He was given a 15-year extended sentence (nine years six months custodial term), a 999 year non harassment order applying to all the women and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
The NSPCC Helpline fielded almost 4,000 contacts about concerns for children experiencing domestic abuse in the first six months of 24/25.
There has been a 19% increase about the issue compared to the same period in 23/24.
Coercive or controlling behaviour, emotional domestic abuse and post-separation domestic abuse were concerns repeatedly raised in contacts the adult helpline received about domestic abuse.
Childline is reminding all children that the service is ready to support them if they have concerns about domestic abuse, or any other issues, this festive season.
The NSPCC is dealing with an increase in contacts to its Helpline from adults with concerns about children who are experiencing domestic abuse.
In the first six months of 2024/25, the charity received 3,879 contacts relating to the issue, a 19% rise compared to the previous year.
A deeper dive into the domestic abuse data reveals mentions of coercive or controlling behaviour (1,279 contacts) and emotional domestic abuse (1,451) increased by a half, while post-separation domestic abuse more than doubled.
A 12-year-old girl from Scotland told a Childline counsellor: “I can’t handle living around my dad; he puts us all on edge. You never know what he’s going to do next or over what.
“Mum thought she’d lost her phone weeks ago, but really dad hid it to punish her. Mum doesn’t even argue back anymore, it’s like he’s made her give up.”
Children are also directly contacting the charity about this issue, with Childline delivering over 500 counselling sessions on domestic abuse in the same 6-month period.
As we move towards Christmas and into the winter months, the concern now is that these numbers will continue to rise with longer, darker nights seeing children spending more time at home and having several weeks away from school over the festive period.
In response, the NSPCC is launching its annual Christmas campaign designed to remind young people that Childline is available throughout the festive season to support on all concerns, including domestic abuse.
Sadly, there will be thousands of children this Christmas across the UK in search of free and confidential help for a range of worries and concerns. These include how to stay safe from abuse and about feeling completely alone. This Christmas, Childline is ready for every call and contact throughout the festive period.
In the charity’s Christmas TV advert, a young girl who has been neglected during the festive period contacts Childline for help. She speaks to a trained counsellor who listens to what is happening to her and provides support.
The issue can still persist after a relationship is over. An adult in Scotland who had concerns for a relative’s safety in a domestic abuse setting told the NSPCC Helpline that they saw signs of controlling behaviour after a relationship had ended.
They said: “My sister recently left an abusive situation with her six-month old baby, but her ex-partner is still in control of their finances and emotionally abusing her. Her ex has drained their accounts so she can’t buy what she needs for my niece.
“The ex is bombarding her with threats over text, even saying they will kill themselves if she doesn’t go back or let them see the baby. Where can we get support and protection for my sister and niece?”
Adeniyi Alade, head of NSPCC helplines in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of wonder and excitement for children, but sadly this is not always the case. For some it can be a time in the year when problems at home come to a head and trigger issues like domestic abuse.
“Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse have been on the rise this year and the concern now is that this will continue over Christmas and into 2025.
“Our mission is to ensure that no child is left to suffer in silence. Our Childline service is open in December and throughout the year to provide free, confidential advice and support.”
This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Any adult can contact the NSPCC Helpline if they have a concern about a child on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. For more information on DART (Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together), visit the NSPCC website.
Since January this year there has been a 38% increase on the previous year of women seeking help from Edinburgh Women’s Aid due to experiencing domestic abuse.
At the same time, the longer-term impact of the pandemic has made accommodating families in shared homes more challenging. Fear of infection, lack of personal space and the impact of lockdown on children have prompted Edinburgh Women’s Aid to review their current shared accommodation options within the city.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid approached Harbour Homes who are providing up to four two-bedroom flats to be used as emergency accommodation. Those living in the flats leased to Edinburgh Women’s Aid will receive weekly support and a safe and furnished home.
Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive at Harbour Homes said:“In 2022-23, 90% of recorded domestic abuse incidents in Scotland took place inside the home.
“We care deeply about the work Edinburgh Women’s Aid are doing to provide support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse. We extend our support to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and will do all we can to assist those living in the emergency accommodation we provide.”
Karen Griffiths, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid said:“We are incredibly thankful to Harbour Homes for their support in leasing this emergency accommodation to us.
“The flats will provide a safe and stable environment for women and any accompanying children who are at risk of homelessness because of Domestic Abuse, whilst they are supported by Edinburgh Women’s Aid to recover.”
Fewer than one in five incidents reported to police
Victims of domestic violence have been encouraged to seek support and report incidents to police, following a reduction in recorded cases.
Newly published statistics show Police Scotland recorded 61,934 incidents of domestic abuse in 2022-23, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year.
Most domestic abuse, however, is not reported. The most recent results from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (for 2018-20) estimated that only 16% of incidents were reported to police.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent. Although these latest statistics show a decrease in police recorded incidents, we know that there are cases where violence and abuse is not reported. I would encourage victims to seek support from organisations who can help and, where they can, to report any abuse to police.
“Through Scotland’s Equally Safe Strategy, which focuses on early intervention, prevention and support services, we are putting in place measures to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse.
“It is imperative that where behaviours turn into violence and abuse, those responsible face the full force of the law and are brought to justice. Our landmark Domestic Abuse Act has provided more powers to police and courts to punish perpetrators of abuse and protect people at risk.
“This month we announced £2 million of funding for Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid to help reduce their waiting lists for women who need support services, including refuge places and counselling.
“This is in addition to £19 million annual funding from our Delivering Equally Safe Fund, which aims to tackle gender-based violence and has supported 121 projects from 112 organisations since October 2021 – benefitting almost 32,000 people in its first year.”
The Victim Centred Approach Fund will also provide £48 million to 23 organisations from 2022-25, including £18.5 million for specialist advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (0800 027 1234) provides a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service, for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women, providing confidentiality and specialist advice. The Scottish Government has provided £1.9 million funding to the helpline.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician yesterday released domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2022-23.The main findings include:
The police recorded 61,934 incidents of domestic abuse in 2022-23, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. This is the second consecutive year this figure has shown a decrease since 2015-16.
In 2022-23, 39% of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland included the recording of at least one crime or offence.
The type of crime or offence that was most frequently recorded as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2022-23 was common assault, accounting for 32% of all crimes and offences recorded. This was followed by threatening and abusive behaviour, accounting for 21% of crimes and offences.
Following its enactment on 1 April 2019, crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 accounted for 5% of crimes and offences recorded as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2022-23.
There were 114 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland per 10,000 population in 2022-23. At a local authority level, Dundee City (180), West Lothian (148) and Glasgow City (141) recorded the highest incident rates per 10,000 population.
Where gender information was recorded, around four-in-five incidents of domestic abuse (81%) in 2022-23 had a female victim and a male suspected perpetrator. This was the same as in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, the 31 to 35 years old age group had the highest incident rate for both victims (277 incidents recorded per 10,000 population) and for the suspected perpetrators (245 incidents recorded per 10,000 population).
A third of incidents (32%) occurred at the weekend in 2022-23. This is a slight decrease from 33% in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, nine-in-10 (90%) of all domestic abuse incidents occurred in a home or dwelling where location was recorded.
Police Scotland investigations have resulted in 43 offenders being sentenced to a total of 272 years in prison since 1 April 2023.
The 43 perpetrators were convicted of a total of 364 domestic abuse offences following work by the service’s national Domestic Abuse Taskforce.
Their sentences included non-harassment orders (NHOs) totalling 1119 years, including 21 indefinite NHOs, while four abusers were given orders of lifelong restriction.
A total of 139 victims were identified.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, Head of Public Protection, Police Scotland, said: “These are significant outcomes for victims, the result of that first step taken to tell someone, an officer or a support worker, of the abuse they have suffered.
“Our Domestic Abuse Taskforce takes on the most complex, challenging and sensitive enquiries often involving multiple victims who have suffered years of abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional and financial.
“We understand how difficult it can be for people to report abuse, to revisit a painful past. It is really important people understand that they are not alone, help is available.
“Society is changing. Domestic abuse in all its forms is now recognised and not ignored. Ultimately, we are working, with partners, to prevent domestic abuse, and to reduce the harm it causes.
“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland. Every officer is trained to deal with domestic incidents, and to identify the full range of abuse that offenders use to control, coerce and instil fear in victims.
“If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned that someone you know is a victim, then please report to Police Scotland or through one of our partner agencies. We will take action and we will investigate.”
Officers in Scotland attend nearly 65,000 domestic abuse calls a year, a call every eight minutes on average. Around 42% of these will result in a crime being recorded.
‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth
Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Taskforce deals with the most complex domestic abuse investigations, often involving long term offending against multiple victims.
According to the latest quarterly performance data (quarter three, April to December 2023), 46,195 domestic incidents were reported to the police and 26,300 crimes were recorded.
Recorded domestic crimes are down 5.1% (1,399 crimes) compared to the same period last year, and down 8.7% (2,511 crimes) compared to the five-year mean.
Reports of domestic incidents had increased by 2.0% (892 incidents) compared to last year.
Of the crimes recorded, 1505 were recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act, a 13.2% increase (175 crimes) on the previous year.
Requests to the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS) increased by 23.5% overall compared to the same period last year.
