Action on domestic abuse

Plans: Council to discuss strategy to crack down on violence against women

A new plan for cracking down on violence against women in Aberdeen could be backed by councillors next week.

The local authority’s public protection committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the strategy, which has been devised by the police and the Aberdeen Violence Against Women Partnership.

Across Scotland in 201718, there were 59,000 cases of domestic abuse reported – with some 2,773 in the Granite City.

However, a number of other issues are also mentioned, including sexual offences, female genital mutilation, prostitution and forced marriages.

Under the plan, awareness of the issue will be raised and public authorities will be asked to intervene early when violence is suspected.

Committee convener Jennifer Stewart last night welcomed the upcoming talks.

She said: “I think it is important that we have this item on the agenda – especially since it is just over a year since the change in the law on coercive behaviour.”

Last month, campaigners warned that domestic abuse is showing “no signs of slowing down” across Aberdeenshire.

Representatives from the police, council and charities came together to launch a new strategy, “shaped by the voice of survivors”, which is aimed at bringing the figures down.

The combined group, known as Aberdeenshire’s Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership, has joined a national drive to eradicate violence against women and children.

Recent studies suggest that domestic abuse lasts 25% longer on average in rural areas, as help can be harder to reach.

AWARENESS: Committee convener Jennifer Stewart is pleased to see tackling domestic abuse is on the local authority’s agenda