Police launch new campaign as domestic abuse crime soars across Scotland

Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland, according to figures released on Wednesday.

There were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse between April and September, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes.

The figures were published in Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.

Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime, said: “As our latest data shows, domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.

“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.

“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”

Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.

Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and the remainder, around 3%, featured same sex couples.

Where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.

The campaign includes a new digital advert which will be used on platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, SnapChat and X.

ACC Johnson added: “Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change.

“There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.

“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.

“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”

Dr Emma Forbes, procurator fiscal for domestic abuse, said the Crown Office takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse.

She added: “Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner.

“Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking.

“Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.

“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.”

Victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.

“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.

“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”

Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.

“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate. Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop.”