Young men targeted by Police Scotland in domestic abuse campaign
Figures from Police Scotland show 81% of incidents involve a male perpetrator and a female victim.
Last updated 11th Dec 2024
Young men between 18 and 35 across Scotland are being targeted in a campaign by officers to clamp down on the rising number of domestic abuse cases.
Figures from Police Scotland show 81% of incidents involve a male perpetrator and a female victim.
Spike in the number of incidents
There has also been an 11% rise in the number of cases being reported compared to last year.
There were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse between April and September 2024, according to Police Scotland's 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.
This was up from 18,243 during the same period in 2023.
The figures have been published as the force launches its latest campaign to tackle domestic abuse, which aims to encourage young people, particularly men, to think about what kind of behaviour is not acceptable in a healthy relationship.
Effects can be long lasting
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime, said: "As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.
"Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it.
"The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.
"Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign."
Scottish Government figures released last month show that police recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year.
Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and the remainder, around 3%, featured same sex couples.
Where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.
The campaign includes a new digital advert which will be used on platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, SnapChat and X.
Mr Johnson said: "Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it's wrong and to change.
"There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.
"We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.
"With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn't acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing."
Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said the Crown Office takes a "rigorous approach" to crimes of domestic abuse and is committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly.
She said: "Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner.
"Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking.
"Controlling what clothing or make up the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.
"No-one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it.
"You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice."
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown urged anyone experiencing abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact police.
She said: "Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour.
"This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence."