Domestic abuse charges reach four-year high

The number of charges for domestic abuse crimes in Scotland has risen to its highest level in four years, according to prosecutors.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) also said the proportion of cases resulting in court proceedings was at a six-year high.

More than 1,000 offences were charged under new laws designed to combat controlling behaviour.

The figures cover the 12 months to 31 March 2020.

Overall, 30,718 domestic abuse charges were recorded, up 5.7% on the previous year, while more than nine out of 10 (92%) offences were prosecuted.

Cases under the new offence of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour or psychological domestic abuse, which came into force last year, represented more than 3% of charges.

The majority of people charged were men between the ages of 21 and 40.

Campaigners have warned that incidents of domestic abuse could increase as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, however these figures do not cover that period.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the figures indicated that new domestic abuse laws were encouraging victims to report crimes.

He added: "We have provided an additional £825,000 to Police Scotland to support the training of 14,000 officers and frontline staff to respond to and investigate the new domestic abuse offence.

"I want to be absolutely clear that all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse and stalking, will not be tolerated and holding perpetrators to account will continue to be a priority."

Mr Yousaf said he would introduce a bill to parliament to give police and courts new powers to remove suspected domestic abusers from homes "in the coming weeks".

Anne Marie Hicks, national procurator fiscal for domestic abuse, warned that the lockdown would have an impact on the justice system and victims of domestic abuse.

She said: "While the figures published today do not cover the period of lockdown, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic upon the justice system, particularly the ability to progress criminal trials, has been significant and we recognise the impact of delays and uncertainty on victims.

"We will continue to work closely with justice partners and victim support organisations on a system-wide response to the challenges of the pandemic to ensure the justice system fully recovers, and cases progress as efficiently as possible."