Figures published recently by Police Scotland have revealed a 3% fall in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police compared to the previous year.
According to the figures, there were 58,104 incidents of domestic abuse in 2015/16, compared to 59,882 in 2014/15.
In line with statistics from previous years, in 80% of cases the victim was female while 20% were male victims.
In half of reported domestic abuse cases, the victim, accused or both were already known to police for previous incidents.
The statistics also show the location of domestic abuse incidents, with 87% happening in the home.
“We welcome the drop in the number of domestic abuse incidents recorded, against a backdrop of an overall fall in recorded crime, and we remain confident that more victims are refusing to stay quiet about what is happening to them,” commented Justice Secretary Michael Matheson. “I believe this is in no small part down to better understanding of this unacceptable behaviour and the support services available for those in need.”
“Earlier this month we announced an extra £665,000 to expand advice and support services for victims of gender-based violence, through the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre,” he said. “We have also invested £7.2 million over three years (2015-18) to ensure court waiting times for domestic abuse cases are prioritised, and created a new domestic abuse aggravation.”
“We are now preparing new legislation to tackle domestic abuse which takes the form of controlling and coercive behaviour, widening our laws to reflect the damage of this kind of psychological abuse,” he added.
If you have been charged with domestic abuse offences, then contact our expert criminal defence lawyers today.
The Lord Advocate is to refer five cases to the UK Supreme Court for a further ruling as to the scope of the Cadder v HMA decision which was handed down by last October by the Supreme Court. Contact expert criminal defence solicitors in Edinburgh on 0131 557 9151.
New clauses have been added to the latest draft of the Scotland Bill which may permit Scottish criminal appeals to be heard in the UK Supreme Court. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
New figures show that there has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of women in Scottish prisons. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
Drink driving case clarifies the scope of Cadder. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
On 22 March 2011, the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill passed its third and final stage through the Scottish Parliament. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
A new partnership has been set up to try to prevent crimes against animals in Fife in Scotland. Contact McSporrans today on 0131 225 8813 for free initial advice.
Call us today on 0131 557 9151 (24hrs) for a free, no
obligation discussion. Alternatively, request a
callback, email mcsporrans@aol.com
or fill our our online enquiry form.
