Big rise in domestic abuse
28 Jan 05
Shocking new figures show the number of cases of domestic abuse reported to police has soared 10%
Figures released today show a 10 per cent increase in the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in 2003.
A statistical bulletin published by the Scottish Executive has revealed that the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the Scottish police increased from 36,010 in 2002 to 39,643 in 2003.
The bulletin confirms the pattern of domestic abuse described in previous studies, showing that the overwhelming majority(89%) of domestic abuse is perpetrated by males against females.
Other findings include:
* The most common crime or offence being recorded, in 2003, was petty assault, 24 per cent (9,444) of all incidents, followed by breach of the peace, 19 per cent (7,457) of all incidents.
* The overall incidence of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland
was 784 per 100,000 population.
* For those incidents where information was available on whether or not the victim had previously been recorded as being a domestic abuse victim, about 45 per cent (16,460) of the cases involved known repeat victimisation.
* Females are at most risk of being victims of domestic abuse when aged between 22 and 30 and males when aged between 31 and 35.
* Nearly half of the incidents (18,039) of domestic abuse recorded by the police involved co-habitees or spouses.
* The overwhelming majority of incidents of domestic abuse took place in the home (92 per cent (35,090) of all incidents where the location was recorded).
Detective Chief Constable Bob Ovens, on behalf of Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS), said: "These figures indicate that this is a serious crime, which blights the lives of many people in our country.
"Whilst any increase in figures gives cause for concern, it may be that these indicate the growing confidence of victims in reporting such matters to the police."