89% of Domestic Abuse crimes are committed in the person’s home. The latest statistics recorded by the Police in Scotland cover the period 2024/2025 show an increase of 2% from the previous year.
Although this is a slight increase, it should be remembered that most cases of domestic abuse go unreported.
The police recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse in 2024-25.
There were 39,711 domestic abuse aggravated crimes and offences of which:
- Common assault, 37%
- Threatening and abusive behaviour, 14%
- Crimes against public justice, 14%
- Crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, 6%
Most of the recorded crimes were perpetrated by a male against a woman – 81%. However, there were 16% of domestic abuse crimes committed by a woman against a man.
The highest number of domestic violence crimes were in the 31 – 35 age group.
Domestic Abuse is: ‘Any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship. The relationship will be between partners (married, cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse can be committed in the home or elsewhere including online’. – Police Scotland.
In Scotland, you have the right to ask the police if someone has abused in the past. You can ask about your own partner, or you can ask for someone else.
Helpful sites:
Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service
Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service
26 Bridge Street
Kirkwall
KW15 1HR
RCS helpline 08088 01 03 02
Office 01856 872298
WOMENS AID ORKNEY
39a Victoria Street Kirkwall
Orkney KW15 1DN
01856 877900
info@womensaidorkney.org.uk
Mon – Fri: 9am – 4:30pm