Domestic Abuse

There has been a three per cent rise in domestic abuse incidents recorded by Police Scotland, according to new figures from the chief statistician. The police recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24, an increase of three per cent compared to the previous year. This is the first year t

The Scottish Law Commission has published a discussion paper reviewing the civil remedies available for domestic abuse in Scotland and seeks views on a proposed delict of domestic abuse. Sixty-one per cent of the incidents of domestic abuse recorded in 2022 to 2023 did not involve criminal conduct.

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC has vowed to continue tackling the serious and damaging crime of coercive control in domestic abuse cases. Ms Charteris made the pledge following the publication of data on domestic abuse and stalking charges in Scotland.

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a new report examining how victims of domestic abuse view sentencing in Scotland. The research, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, provides insights into the experiences and perspectives of victims. Researchers interviewed 24 women across Scotla

A criminal silk has called for the creation of a register of domestic abusers to help reduce violence in the home. Thomas Ross KC said such a list might deter physical and psychological assaults.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC has accepted a report into how domestic abuse is prosecuted, which has emphasised that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service must speed up the work it is doing to improve the service it gives to victims. The report assessed the work of COPFS in the management a

Victims of domestic violence have been encouraged to seek support and report incidents to police following a reduction in recorded cases. Newly published statistics show Police Scotland recorded 61,934 incidents of domestic abuse in 2022-23, a decrease of four per cent compared to the previous year.

A blueprint to tackle domestic abuse after new statistics revealed that "victims are being left in limbo” when they leave a violent household has been published by the Scottish Conservatives. The party has launched a new policy paper alongside freedom of information responses showing that

Domestic killers in England and Wales face tougher sentences one year on from the publication of Clare Wade KC’s review. Ms Wade’s review looked at domestic homicide sentencing, and provided key recommendations for the UK government to protect women. The review found that:

A successful domestic abuse pilot where evidence is shared and agreed prior to a trial diet being assigned has been extended to Glasgow Sheriff Court.

A new approach aimed at reducing domestic abuse-related homicides and suicides has received backing. The proposals for a Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model would help identify what lessons can be learned and applied following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is suspec

A private member’s bill proposing the establishment of a domestic abuse register similar to the sex offenders register has gained wide cross-party support from 41 MSPs. The Domestic Abuse (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill introduced by Pam Gosal, a Conservative MSP for West Scotland, will now move

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain has pledged her ongoing support for victims and children suffering through domestic abuse and urged them to seek both safety and justice. Ms Bain renewed the commitment of prosecutors to use the full force of the law against perpetrators in pursuit of a safer Scotland for

The introduction of the 2018 Domestic Abuse Act has been an important step but more action is needed in implementing it and tackling domestic abuse, the Criminal Justice Committee has said. As part of post-legislative scrutiny, the committee has been reviewing the impact of the Act and how effective

The majority of social landlords in Scotland have not put in place adequate policies to support survivors of domestic abuse facing homelessness, a new report by Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA) and CIH Scotland has found. In 2018/19, 73 of the 173 social landlords in Scotland (42 per cent) sign