Scots Urged to Seek Help for Domestic Abuse Over Christmas
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, Scotland’s top prosecutor, has issued a heartfelt plea to domestic abuse victims, particularly women suffering from abuse and coercive control, not to endure their pain in silence over the Christmas period. This comes in response to a concerning spike in domestic abuse incidents in Scotland, as reported by the latest figures. Over the six months leading up to September this year, there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, representing an 11% increase. Notably, the rise in psychological offending, including stalking and coercive control offences, accounted for a significant portion of this surge, with more than 80% of the reported crimes involving male perpetrators.
Prosecutors received 5,113 crime reports related to domestic abuse during the festive period from December 2023 to January 2024. Of these, 310 cases were specifically under domestic abuse legislation enacted in 2018, which criminalised coercive and controlling behaviour. Such behaviour may involve isolating victims from their support networks, monitoring their activities, tracking their movements, and controlling their finances. Lord Advocate Bain emphasised the devastating impact of domestic abuse on victims, children, and families, labelling it as a blight on Scottish society.
Bain encouraged those affected to come forward and speak out, reassuring them that they will be heard and supported by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service staff. She pledged the commitment of public prosecutors to creating a society free of domestic abuse, where individuals feel safe in their own homes. Recognising the heightened vulnerabilities during the festive season, she highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the silent suffering that many endure behind closed doors, particularly during the winter months when people spend more time at home. Bain underscored that psychological, verbal, sexual, and economic abuse, alongside stalking, are forms of coercive control that are intolerable under the law.
Despite the challenges posed by domestic abuse, Bain affirmed that there is no justification for such behaviour and that the law will hold abusers accountable. She urged victims not to hesitate to seek help and support, as silence only perpetuates the cycle of abuse. The Lord Advocate’s message serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with domestic abuse, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle and that help is readily available for those who speak out.
In conclusion, it is important to recognise the significance of addressing domestic abuse, particularly during times of heightened vulnerability such as the festive season. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain’s call to action serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to support and protect victims of abuse, empowering them to break free from the shackles of silence and reclaim their lives.