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Domestic abuse at ten year high in DG

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By Fiona Reid
Front
Domestic abuse at ten year high in DG

THE number of domestic abuse cases recorded by police in Dumfries and Galloway last year rose to 1296 - the highest in ten years.

It compared to 1246 the year before and 1047 in 2016-17.

And 58 per cent of all incidents in the region included a crime or offence, such as common assault or breach of the peace.

The figures were released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician earlier this week and also showed that the police recorded 60,641 incidents of domestic abuse nationwide in 2018-19, an increase of two per cent compared to the previous year and also a ten year high.

Commenting, Dr Marsha Scott, of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “We must bear in mind that reports to police are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to domestic abuse. We know that women are very often reluctant to report for fear of what will happen to them, and to their children. 

“So, while the figure of 60,641 reports is shocking in and of itself, it becomes even more upsetting when you consider it is a fraction of the abuse actually unfolding across Scotland right now.

“Looking at the trend across ten years, we can see that we have much more work to do when it comes to ending domestic abuse in Scotland. It lies with all of us – police, judiciary, services, individuals and the Government – to change the landscape for women and children experiencing this daily fear, including those who never report it to the police.

* Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 on 0800 027 1234

Photo by Laura Doddsworth for Women’s Aid

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