Police officers to undertake training in preparation for Domestic Abuse Act

Humza Yousaf

Mr Yousaf was speaking as Police Scotland began preparing officers and staff for the introduction of legislation next year banning controlling and coercive behaviour.

In total, 59,541 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in 2017-18, up one per cent on the previous year.

In the coming 18 months, more than 14,000 officers and staff will undertake training sessions and an e-learning course.

Assistant chief constable Gillian Macdonald said: “Coercive and controlling behaviours are a significant factor in most, if not all cases, of domestic abuse. Offenders will isolate their victim from family and friends, and will deliberately undermine their confidence and self-esteem to establish power and control.

“Domestic abuse victims have told us this type of psychological abuse can be as bad as, if not worse, than the physical abuse.

“The training will tackle the many myths and misconceptions around domestic abuse that remain common in our communities across Scotland.

“It will ensure they have a fuller understanding of the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships and they have the necessary skills to identify, evidence and take action against the people responsible for abusive behaviours, the perpetrators themselves.”

Mr Yousaf added: “The introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act is an important step towards increasing awareness of the full extent of domestic abuse for victims and those around them.

“However, legislation is only the first step, and it is vital we ensure the justice system is prepared and equipped to deal with cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour. That is why we have supported Police Scotland to develop this training.

“Officers deal with the damage caused by domestic abuse day in day out, and this training will help to identify some of the more insidious and damaging ways that perpetrators use to control their partner or ex-partner that are covered within the new offence.”