Domestic abuse incidents recorded by police falls for first time in eight years

The number of domestic abuse incidents recorded by police has fallen for the first time in eight years, though the Justice Secretary has warned they are just the “tip of the iceberg”.

The latest figures show police recorded 64,807 incidents of domestic abuse in 2021-22, a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year.

It is the first time the figure has dropped since 2015-16.

Common assault was the most frequently-recorded type of offence at 32%, followed by threatening and abusive behaviour at 21%.

Some 81% of incidents had a female victim, an increase of 1% from the previous year.

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act, which came into effect in April 2019, introduced new types of offences including coercive or controlling behaviour.

These types of offences made up 4% of cases in the most recent figures.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown encouraged people experiencing domestic abuse to seek help and report incidents to police where necessary.

Mr Brown said: “I am grateful to everyone who has felt able to come forward over the past year to report incidents of domestic abuse to the police.

“Behind each of these numbers is a story in itself, of months or even years of abuse and control, which is why the Scottish Government legislated to give police, prosecutors and the courts greater powers to tackle such crimes.

“While the small drop in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police may be welcome, the reality has always been that figures drawn from police reports represent only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true extent of violence against women and girls.”

He continued: “We are continuing to make changes to the justice system to make it easier for people to come forward and report incidents and for perpetrators to be appropriately dealt with – to help realise our vision of a Scotland as a place where women and girls live free of violence and abuse.”

Assistant chief constable Bex Smith of Police Scotland said: “Domestic abuse remains an under-reported crime.

“Abusers manipulate and control their victims, and it can be difficult for victims to recognise what’s happening and then to seek help.

“Friends, families and colleagues can often be the first to recognise abuse and to call it out.

“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse or is concerned someone they know is a victim, then please get in touch.

“Help and support is available from the police and from support agencies.”