Number of men on receiving end of domestic abuse soars

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 08:35

THE number of men in the Lothians who say they are victims of domestic violence has more than trebled in the past decade.

New figures show 1,207 men admitted being on the receiving end of domestic abuse last year, compared with just 374 in the year 2000. Statistics for the whole of Scotland suggest a similar trend.

Today the Scottish Government said it might consider further research or action.

The latest figures, published by the Government, show a total increase in incidents recorded by Lothian and Borders Police of 7.5 per cent, from 8,966 in 2007-08 to 9,645 in 2008-09, roughly in line with the picture across Scotland.

Over the decade, the overall level of domestic abuse has soared by around 33 per cent, while incidents involving male victims has grown by over 220 per cent.

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) said the dramatic increase showed men now felt more confident about reporting domestic abuse.

A spokesman said: "There has been an under-reporting of cases in the past. We have noticed an increase in recent years in the number of male victims coming forward and we now provide a service to all these people.

"It's the old thing that victims of domestic abuse find it difficult to admit to other people the situation they are in."

He said VSS offered free confidential support to all victims, whether it be pointing them in the right direction for psychological help or other forms of support.

Lothians Tory MSP Gavin Brown called the increase in domestic abuse "absolutely shocking". He said: "While the majority of cases involve a male perpetrator and female victim, these figures illustrate that all victims should be offered the same level of support and assistance regardless of gender."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Victim Support Scotland receives over 4m from the Scottish Government annually, providing support to all victims of crime, including men who experience domestic abuse.

"The Scottish Crime & Justice Survey, published later this year, will collect data on partner abuse for both male and female victims.

"If this evidence shows there has been a change in the nature and extent of domestic abuse against men, the Scottish Government will consider further research or other appropriate action."

Across Scotland, incidents of domestic abuse recorded as a male victim and female perpetrator rose from 2,696 in 2000-01 to 7,336 in 2008-09.