Ruth Charteris KC

Ms Charteris made the pledge following the publication of data on domestic abuse and stalking charges in Scotland.

The figures for 2023-24 show the number of charges of this nature reported to the Crown Office remain stable.

A total of 30,100 charges relating to domestic abuse were reported compared to the 2022-23 total of 31,139 – a change of 0.1 percent. The vast majority of these charges were prosecuted, with 93 percent proceeding to court.

There were 1,831 charges reported under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 (DASA). These charges include offences of a course of conduct where women have been subject of coercive and controlling behaviour by men.

The number of DASA charges prosecuted at solemn level, in front of a jury at the Sheriff or High Court, have risen to 42 percent, the highest ever level since the legislation came into effect on 1 April 2019. Where a case is prosecuted at solemn level the range of sentencing options available to the court is much greater and can extend beyond one year in prison.

Ms Charteris said: “Prosecutors recognise domestic abuse as a scourge on our society, to be tackled with every means at our disposal. Ongoing prosecutions are now addressing acts of coercive control that were once hard to prosecute, thanks to legislation that has exposed these behaviours.

“Behaviours such as controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, and preventing them from seeing loved ones are now recognised as domestic abuse.

“In some cases, the perpetrator will closely monitor the victim’s activities, movements, and communications. We understand that robust and effective prosecution is crucial, along with the work of our justice partners, to building safer lives for victims, their children and all in our communities.

“I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.”