Domestic abuse charges in Scotland at highest level in five years

The number of domestic abuse-related charges in Scotland is at its highest level since 2015-16, according to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

A total of 30,718 charges were reported in relation to domestic abuse in 2019-20, with 28,234 (92%) of those proceeding to court.

Just 5% (1,501) of charges had no action taken, with the majority of these (57%) being due to lack of evidence.

Anne Marie Hicks, COPFS national procurator fiscal for domestic abuse, said: "COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and stalking, and we are committed to prosecuting these crimes effectively and fairly.

"This includes a presumption in favour of prosecution where there is sufficient evidence to support a criminal allegation.

"Prosecutors recognise the devastating impact these crimes can have on those affected and will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal, including the groundbreaking legislation introduced last year, to prosecute domestic abuse.''

She added: "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.''

While most of the charges were prosecuted at the sheriff summary level, there has been a steady increase of charges at the more serious solemn level, increasing from 10% in 2013-14 to 15% in 2019-20.

Statistics also show the majority (67%) of domestic abuse charges are brought against people aged 31 to 40 (34%) or 21 to 30 (33%).

The accused was male in almost 90% (26,914) of charges.

In 2019-20, 1,065 charges were reported under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 (DASA), with 95% of charges proceeding to court.

Solicitor General for Scotland Alison Di Rollo QC said: "The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, which came into force in April 2019, broke ground in addressing the true dynamics of abusive behaviour to which too many victims are subjected.

"This legislation has allowed the prosecution of a range of coercive and controlling behaviours which are so harmful to victims but which were not previously criminal.

"Courts can now consider the totality of behaviour when sentencing, better reflecting the lived experience of victims and children.

"Police and prosecutors in Scotland have undergone extensive training on this legislation and will continue to work closely together, and with victim support agencies, to ensure that the prosecution of domestic abuse is as effective as possible and that victims are supported through the process.''

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