MSP: No complacency on tackling domestic abuse

Claire Baker MSP for MidScotland and Fife has said the Scottish Government cannot be complacent when it comes to domestic abuse.

This comes as statistics released by the government about recorded incidents of domestic abuse by Police Scotland over the past year showed levels in Perth and Kinross were at their lowest level in five years, with 1180 incidents recorded in the past 12 months.

This comes as the statistics show only 47 per cent of domestic abuse incidents were recorded as a crime or an offence, which is down 51 per cent on last year’s statistics.

Ms Baker, who is also justice spokesperson for Scottish Labour, said: “A rise in the number of incidents shows that there is still work to be done in tackling domestic abuse. We must be clear, there is no place for this in modern and progressive Scotland.

“But this may yet only be the tip of the iceberg as often victims are still too afraid to come forward. Questions should be asked as to why more than half of all incidents fail to result in a crime or offence.

“We need to be confident that those that come forward receive the support they need. The Domestic Abuse Bill is an important next step in supporting victims but it can’t be the final one - that is why we are calling for the introduction of domestic abuse courts throughout Scotland. It is vital that every case is treated with the sensitivity and seriousness it deserves.”