The Scottish Government

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Domestic Abuse

It is difficult to know how many women suffer domestic abuse but research shows that it is widespread and under reported and that the level of repeat victimisation is high. Domestic abuse is associated with broader inequalities in society, is part of a range of behaviours constituting male abuse of power and is linked to other forms of violence such as rape and child abuse. It occurs in all social groups and is likely to escalate in frequency and intensity over time and may increase at specific points in a woman's life such as during pregnancy. It can be perpetrated by partners or ex-partners and can include physical abuse, sexual abuse and mental/emotional abuse. It is often witnessed by children who may themselves experience mental, physical and sexual abuse.

The range of common effects of domestic abuse includes physical injury, poor health and a range of psychological difficulties. The effects on children must also be recognised as including a range of forms of stress or fear, as well as the additional correlation between domestic abuse and child sexual abuse.

The Scottish Executive is committed to implementing the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland, approved by the Scottish Parliament in November 2000. A National Group was established in June 2001 with a remit to:-

• Oversee the implementation of the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland in accordance with the priorities set out in the Action Plan;
• Identify and disseminate good practice;
• Identify key issues and develop a common national response
• Provide advice in relation to monitoring data and the identification of the research required;
• Establish and oversee a structure of specific issue-based groups and local multi-agency groups working with a coherent framework;
• Review and monitor progress against the Action Plan;
• Consider links between domestic abuse and the wider issues of violence against women.

The work is being progressed through a series of specific issue working groups. Groups have been established to review current legislative provision relating to domestic abuse; to review current recommendations on refuge provision; to develop a Prevention Strategy; and to develop a Training Strategy. Two new groups will be established shortly to look at data collection and to consider the links between domestic abuse and other aspects of violence against women.

The Executive is funding a £10 million Refuge Development Programme to improve and increase the refuge places available to women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. It also operates a Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund which provides £1.5 million per year match funding for projects which improve service delivery at local level.

Prevention work is also an important part of the Executive's programme to tackle domestic abuse and the advertising campaign "Behind Closed Doors" has been shown to have been very effective in raising awareness. The new campaign "Dolls House" focuses on the effect that domestic abuse has on the children in the family.

For more information you could also check out the Domestic Abuse website.