Instances of domestic abuse on the rise in Scotland

By GARETH ROSE
Published on 30/10/2012 14:46

DOMESTIC abuse has risen by 7 per cent in Scotland, to almost 60,000 incidents in 2011-12.

Police and politicians have defended the increase, saying the figures reflect more people are reporting acts of violence.

However, health secretary Alex Neil admitted: “These figures show that too many men and women in Scotland are still being subjected to abuse at home.”

Four-fifths of the victims were women, with those aged 22 to 25 the most vulnerable.

The report, from Scotland’s chief statistician, shows men are more likely to be targeted when they are older, aged 31 to 35.

Almost two-thirds of all

victims had suffered domestic abuse before.

Police believe there has been a cultural shift, making domestic abuse less acceptable and agencies are more willing to report.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, co-director of the Violence Reduction Unit, said: “What today’s figures show is not only that the police know more than ever about domestic abuse and where it’s happening, but also that more incidents are being reported. People across Scotland are becoming less tolerant of this wicked behaviour.”

Mr Neil added: “There is no place for domestic abuse in

Scotland, and tackling it is a top priority for the government.”