Domestic abuse ‘intolerable’, says Lord Advocate as charges increase slightly

Scotland’s top prosecutor has urged everyone in Scotland to make clear that domestic abuse is “intolerable”, as figures showed a slight increase in charges being reported.

The latest data shows a 0.4% rise in domestic abuse charges being reported to the Crown Office during 2024/25.

A total of 30,227 charges related to domestic abuse were reported during the 12-month period, compared to 30,100 the previous year.

The Crown Office said 92% of these charges proceeded to court.

Stalking charges also increased, by 11%, with 953 reports during the year – more than half of which involved an element of domestic abuse.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, who leads the Crown Office, said everyone has a responsibility to tackle domestic abuse.

She said: “Gender-based violence and abuse is driven by underlying attitudes.

“It is vital that people across Scotland challenge these harmful attitudes and behaviours, be that in our own homes, among our friends, in work, education, social groups and elsewhere.

“The figures published today underline the importance of working together to tackle domestic abuse.

“Everyone should be clear that such behaviour is intolerable and has no place in our communities.

“We have a responsibility to build a future where girls can live free from fear, and that involves holding abusers to account today while encouraging boys to grow into respectful men.”