Police Scotland has disclosed a significant rise in the incidence of recorded domestic violence offences in Scotland.
The police reported that domestic abuse offences have increased by 11 percent based on the most recent statistics.
From April to September 2024, there were 20,271 documented incidents of domestic violence, in contrast to 18,243 during the equivalent timeframe in 2023.
According to Police Scotland’s 2024/2025 Quarter 2 Performance Report, the number of reported domestic abuse crimes during that period rose by 2,028.
The statistics have been released as the law enforcement agency launches its newest campaign to address domestic violence.
Law enforcement officials have reported that numerous cases adjudicated in 2024 have resulted in young men receiving prison sentences for perpetrating domestic abuse against current or former partners.
Charles Fyfe Morrison of Paisley is one of the individuals incarcerated for perpetrating domestic abuse.
The abhorrent rapist victimised his two former partners.
The reprehensible individual was convicted of five offences, including three grave sexual assaults, after a trial at the High Court in Paisley on June 12.
The reprehensible 27-year-old, Charles Fyfe Morrison, preyed upon women at multiple sites in the Paisley and Edinburgh regions over a span of four years.
Charles Fyfe Morrison received a nine-year extended sentence (seven years of incarceration), a 15-year non-harassment order, and has been placed on the sex offender registry indefinitely.
Figures released by the Scottish Government in November indicate that Police Scotland documented 63,867 occurrences of domestic violence in 2023/2024.
Among the incidents, 81 percent had a male perpetrator and a female victim, 15 percent involved a female perpetrator and a male victim, and three percent involved same-sex couples.
When age is specified, around 35 percent of all reported occurrences involved a male perpetrator under the age of 35.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “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.”
He added: “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 from developing.”
Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.
“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 makeup 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 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.
“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support.
“We know that it is this type of crime that can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.
“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”
Jo Todd CBE, CEO, of Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.
“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.
“Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.