This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Domestic abuse incidents rise by 10 per cent
28/01/2005
A rise in the reporting of domestic abuse shows women
have more confidence in the police response, the Executive
and police concluded today.
All eight Scottish forces have collated statistics since
1999 and reporting has risen each year with the 2003
figures, published today, showing a 10 per cent
increase.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said:
"This shows that, despite the significant progress that
we've made in tackling domestic abuse, there is still a
huge problem to address.
"We know that many of the women now seeking help would
have just lived with the abuse in the past.
"Thanks to increased awareness of the issues and our
investment in better support services, such as the 24 hour
helpline, better police training and improved refuge
provision, more people are coming forward.
"The figures also show that more cases are leading to
recording of a crime or offence and cases are being
reported earlier leading to fewer deaths.
"Sadly, reporting to police is only the tip of the
iceberg. We have much to do but are committed to working to
achieve real improvements for the thousands of women and
children affected by this."
Deputy Chief Constable Robert Ovens, on behalf of
Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS),
said:
"These figures indicate that this is a serious crime,
which blights the lives of many people in our country.
"Whilst any increase in figures gives cause for concern,
it may be that these indicate the growing confidence of
victims in reporting such matters to the police.
"We continue to work closely with the Executive, Women's
Aid, other voluntary sector agencies and importantly with
the survivors of domestic abuse to achieve the most
effective ways of raising awareness of this social malady
and encourage those who have encountered domestic abuse to
seek assistance.
"We have taken positive steps to improve the training of
police staff in response to dealing with domestic abuse and
have worked closely with Women's Aid who have supported
this work.
"In addition a national protocol between the procurator
fiscal and the police was launched last year to improve the
arrangements for pursuing criminal proceedings against
those who perpetrate domestic abuse whilst at the same time
effectively support victims."
Calls to the domestic abuse helpline
0800 027 1234 also increased by 11 per
cent over the festive period.
Over 2,300 calls were made over the four week period
from Boxing Day, which compares with around 2000 calls over
the same time last year.
Between 2000 and 2006 the Executive will have committed
over £32m towards the provision of services to women and
their children that are, or have, experienced domestic
abuse.
The Scottish prosecution and police services launched a
joint code of practice last November. It identifies best
practice to deliver a consistency of approach in the
investigation, reporting and prosecution of domestic abuse
cases to improve the service provided to the public.
A pilot specialist domestic abuse court, based at
Glasgow Sheriff Court, was launched in October last year
which aims to provide a more supportive and sensitive
service for those who suffer abuse.
It fast tracks cases of domestic abuse which occur in
the city's south side. It provides better information and
support to help victims pursue their allegations all the
way to the courtroom rather than withdrawing their
complaint, which occurs frequently in such cases. If
successful this pilot may be rolled out across
Scotland.
A specialist training course to better equip front line
police officers deal with victims and perpetrators of
domestic abuse also launched last year.