Lib Dems appalled at rate of domestic abuse

3.30.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th Oct 2009

The level of domestic abuse in Scotland has been steadily

rising over the last 10 years and now stands at a frightening

figure according to statistics obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

In answers to parliamentary questions lodged by Justice

spokesman Robert Brown MSP, Ministers revealed there were

49,255 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in

2007-08. This represents a 39% increase in incidents against

women and a 168% rise in incidents against men over the last 10 years.

The figures were particularly worrying in the Northern

Constabulary area, which saw a 105% rise in incidents against

women and 132% in incidents against men.

Central Scotland Police force area also saw rises of 122% in

incidents against women and 217% in incidents against men.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“The number of incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland is

appalling. Each one of these cases, almost fifty thousand in

number, represents a human life in turmoil.

"A range of services including doctors, social workers and the

police can help; they must be vigilant to identify domestic

abuse early and do all they can to support the victims.

“But, Ministers must also tackle the underlying causes, notably

drug and alcohol abuse. We need to see a cultural change to

stamp out this worrying problem once and for all.

“The enormous increase in the number of incidents against men

may reflect more male victims speaking out. This is a welcome

cultural shift but the stigma is still there. This must change

through education and support for male victims of abuse.”