Domestic violence increases by 25% in past year despite drop in violent crime

Reports to police of instances of domestic violence have increased by 25% in the past year, figures show, despite a slight decrease in overall violent crime.

Statistics released by the Scottish Government show a jump from 1,845 reports under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act in the year up to September 2023 to 2,313 up to September of this year.

But overall non-sexual crimes of violence dropped by 1%, from 71,571 to 71,002.

Recorded instances of rape and attempted rape increased by 10% from 2,501 to 2,746, despite an overall reduction of sexual crimes from 14,704 to 14,651.

Crimes of dishonesty increased by 4% due to a 25% rise in shoplifting reports while dangerous and reckless behaviour dropped by 5%.

Crimes against society – which includes drugs offences and weapons possession – increased by 2%, with “crimes against public justice”, which covers crimes including resisting arrest and attempts to pervert the course of justice, increasing by 11%.

The Scottish Tories said the figures were a result of the Scottish Government’s “weak justice agenda and sustained cuts to policing”.

“It is particularly alarming to see a rise in the number of rapes and sexual assault cases, which have gone up considerably in the space of a year,” said the party’s justice spokesman Liam Kerr.

“SNP ministers must put victims’ needs first, rather than those of dangerous criminals whose punishment often doesn’t fit the nature of their offences.

“Those working in retail will not be surprised to see shoplifting crimes soaring, with those responsible knowing they will often get little more than a slap on the wrist.

“This crimewave comes against a backdrop of the SNP presiding over the lowest officer numbers since 2008, with many crimes no longer even being investigated.

“On the day when the SNP are set to railroad through plans to release more prisoners, these figures should be a wake-up call for them.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.