Domestic abuse laws prompt more women to report incidents

The number of domestic abuse-related charges in Scotland is at its highest level since 2015-16, according to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

A total of 30,718 charges were reported in relation to domestic abuse in 2019-20, with 28,234 (92 per cent) of those proceeding to court.

Just 5 percent (1,501) of charges had no action taken, with the majority of these (57 per cent) being due to lack of evidence.

Justice secretary Humza Yo us af said new domestic abuse laws in Scotland are encouraging more women to come for ward and handing more powers to police and prosecutors.

“I want to be absolutely clear that all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse and stalking, will not be tolerated and holding perpetrators to account will continue to be a priority,” he said.

“I will introduce a bill to the Parliament in the coming weeks which would give police and the courts new powers to remove suspected domestic abusers from victims’ homes. This will lift the burden of action from those already suffering or at risk from abuse by giving greater powers to police to intervene.

“It will also provide victims with vital breathing space, free from coercion and control, to decide the best future option for themselves, aided by support services.”

The figures show 1,065 charges were reported under the Domestic Abuse( Scotland) Act 2018 (DASA), with 95 per cent of charges proceeding to court. There has been a steady increase of charges at the more serious solemn level, up from 10 per cent in 2013-14 to 15 per cent in 2019-20. Statistics also show the majority (67 per cent) of domestic abuse charges are brought against people aged 31 to 40 (34 per cent) or 21 to 30 (33 per cent).

The accused was male in almost 90 per cent (26,914) of charges.

Solicitor General for Scotland Al is onDiRolloQ Cs aid: “The Domestic Abuse( Scotland) Act 2018, which came into force in April 2019, broke ground in addressing the true dynamics of abusive behaviour to which too many victims are subjected.

“This legislation has allowed the prosecution of a range of coercive and controlling behaviours which are so harmful to victims but which were not previously criminal.

“Courts can now consider the totality of behaviour when sentencing, better reflecting the lived experience of victims and children. Police and prosecutors in Scotland have undergone extensive train - in go nth is legislation and will continue to work closely together.”