Tackling Domestic Abuse Priority For Police Scotland

“Domestic abuse is often about control, the blame for which lies solely with the perpetrators.”

October 29, 2017

2–3 minutes

Domestic Abuse, Orkney News, Orkney Rape Crisis, Police Scotland, Scottish Government, Womens Aid

Domestic abuse figures for Scotland have shown a slight rise of 1% with Orkney having the lowest rates of reported abuse.

Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Telfer, Police Scotland, said:

“Domestic abuse is a continuing problem which affects every community across Scotland. The contribution of our partners and communities is key and we remain committed to reducing the harm caused by domestic abuse, and protecting victims remains very much a priority for Police Scotland.”

The rise could be indicative of increased awareness of the issue with victims now more likely to report cases to the Police and for a conviction to take place. There has also been an increase in breach of the peace convictions, particularly offences of “threatening or abusive behaviour” or stalking.

domestic abuse home In 2016-17 there were 58,810 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland most of these occurring at the weekends. In the vast majority the victims are women with the attack taking place in the home.

Funding for work to tackle violence against women, including an additional £20 million over three years (2015–2018) has been allocated by the Scottish Government.

It is still thought that most cases of domestic abuse go unreported.

Incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police for Orkney 2007-08 to 2016-17

2007/8: 24
2008/9: 21
2009/10: 44
2010/11: 107
2011/12: 108
2012/13: 95
2013/14: 107
2014/15: 114
2015/16: 138
2016/17: 102

Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government, Michael Matheson said:

“While figures have been relatively stable over the past five years, they remain evidence of the unacceptable levels of domestic abuse in Scotland. We know these figures don’t paint the whole picture, as victims are often too afraid to report abuse. We also know domestic abuse disproportionately affects women.”

“It is crucial our work continues with even greater urgency. We have allocated record funding of £20 million over three years towards eliminating violence against women and girls, and we are taking forward legislation to introduce a new offence, criminalising the type of coercive and controlling behaviour that can constitute domestic abuse.”

Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Telfer, Police Scotland, said:

“No-one is immune from domestic abuse, it can occur in every type of relationship, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or age. Domestic abuse is often about control, the blame for which lies solely with the perpetrators.”

“As a result of the roll out of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, people who suspect that their partner may have a violent past have the right to ask for information. If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, we ask that you please come forward and report it.”

For Information, Support and Help:

Women’s Aid Orkney: 01856 877900 info@womensaidorkney.org.uk

Orkney Rape Crisis Service contact details Mon – Fri 9.30-4.30pm

contact@orkneyrapecrisis.scot http://www.orkneyrapecrisis.scot or call

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline 08088 01 03 02 6pm till midnight

“Sexual violence affects more people in our community that we imagine. Confidential support and advocacy for anyone from age 13. Whether recent or long ago. Whether you report or choose not to. We believe you.“

Reporter: Fiona Grahame

3 responses to “Tackling Domestic Abuse Priority For Police Scotland”

Bernie Bell

October 29, 2017 at 9:50 am

Good article, Fiona.
“Domestic abuse is often about control, the blame for which lies solely with the perpetrators.”
People sometimes ask – “Why don’t they stick up for themselves?” I’ve known people in these kind of situations, and……the dominator gets into their head. A bit of hippie-speak there, but it’s the best way I can think of to put it. Being told, repeatedly, that they are worthless and weak and can’t do anything about …anything. They get so that they not only believe it, they get so that they can’t think or see past it.
For someone who has been brought up in a secure world, it can seem odd, and weak, that these folk ( and, as you say, they can be make or female), can’t break out of it – but they can’t, or they would. It’s often a case of a history in their life before this particular relationship, means that they don’t have that strength to say “I’m me – leave me be.”
It isn’t weakness – it’s ingrained fear producing a kind of paralysis in their responses to the world they find themselves having to deal with, produced by power-games and mind-games. These folk, in my experience, are often very strong, in other ways in their personalities. They have to be – to survive.
Ok, I’m not going to go of into cod-psychology.
You’ve written a very good, clear article about this. I think what I’m trying to do is speak up from the standpoint of the folk I’ve known who have been in these situations. Knowing them, meant that I got a better grip on what might be the mind-set of, not only the person being put-down, but of the people who need that kind of controlling madness, to make themselves feel like they are someone.
It’s a complicated business.
One thing I will say – if anyone knows someone, and they think that something is not right – if you pick up on the feeling that something is amiss – that someone is afraid, constantly tense, even, maybe – bruised. Try, carefully to talk with them. Maybe part of the problem is that they feel they have no-one to talk with about – that no-one will believe them. The controllers often come across as perfectly pleasant people, to folk outside their little empire. You can help them to help themselves, to go to those who can help them in a practical way – to get away from the controller, for a start.
That’s step one, then, maybe, hopefully, they can help themselves to get past that mind-set and conditioning, to say “I’m me – and don’t mess with me.” And that just might set them up for a life they can call their own.
And if anyone wants to accuse me of cod-psychology, or anything else for that matter – I’m trying to help – that’s all. Speaking from my own experience of people I’ve come across, what I’ve seen to have often been at the root of these situations, and what I’ve seen to have helped them. That’s all.

Loading…

Reply
Bernie Bell

October 29, 2017 at 10:52 am

It’s also good, if the controllers can recognize what’s wrong with them, and seek help. It does happen.

Loading…

Reply
Orkney CAB AGM – The Orkney News

November 27, 2017 at 12:02 am

[…] Related story: Tackling Domestic Abuse Priority For Police Scotland […]

Loading…

Reply