Latest figures on domestic abuse in Scotland

Scotland’s Chief Statistician has recently published statistics on the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by police forces in Scotland over 2010-11 and 2011-12.

The statistics show that:

• There were 59,847 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland in 2011-12, compared to the 55,698 incidents recorded in 2010-11. This equates to a 7% increase in the number of incidents recorded in 2011-12 as compared to 2010-11.
• The overall number of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Scotland in 2011-12 was 1,139 per 100,000 population. This compared to 1,067 incidents per 100,000 population in 2010-11.
• For incidents where information was available, 62% of incidents (33,353)  in 2011-12 involved victims who had previously experienced domestic abuse. This compared to 55% (28,317) in 2010-11.
• In 44% of cases (25,453) in 2011-12 where relationship details were recorded, the victim and perpetrator were ex-partners or ex-spouses.
• In 2011-12, the overwhelming majority of incidents of domestic abuse took place in the home/house (87% (52,088) of all incidents where the location was recorded). This was more likely if the victim and perpetrator cohabited i.e. were a `spouse' or `co-habitee' (93% (16,960) of all incidents where location was recorded).

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

“This Government treats tackling domestic abuse as a priority. Since 2007, funding for Violence Against Women work, including domestic abuse, has doubled and the Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining spending in this crucial area of work.

“We will also continue to work closely with police, councils, health boards and the voluntary sector to ensure that perpetrators are held to account, and that victims and their children have the services they require. “