Just‘tip of the iceberg’

A leading domestic abuse charity has warned that the latest shocking figures are just the“tip of the iceberg”.

And Women’s Aid say much more needs to be done to end domestic abuse.

Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said:“We know that women are very often reluctant to report for fear of what will happen to them, and to their children. So, while the figure of 60,641 reports is shocking in and of itself, it becomes even more upsetting when you consider it is a fraction of the abuse actually unfolding across Scotland right now.

“Looking at the trend across 10 years, we can see that we have much more work to do when it comes to ending domestic abuse in Scotland. It lies with all of us – police, judiciary, services, individuals and the Government – to change the landscape for women and children experiencing this daily fear, including those who never report it to the police.

“We are proud to be in a country that is working hard to reflect women and children’s experiences, having passed and began implementing a world-leading new law on domestic abuse. However, now is not the time for complacency and we will continue to call for vigilance.

“For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or those concerned about someone else, help is always available from local Women’s Aid services and from Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, available 24/7 on 0800 027 1234.”