Domestic abuse figures published today show there were 58,810 incidents in 2016-17, up 1% from the previous year.
Recorded by Police Scotland, the figures also show that 79% of these incidents had a female victim and a male accused.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the figures demonstrate the need for the Scottish Government to continue its drive to reduce gender-based violence.
Mt Matheson said; "While the 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 disproportionally 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.
"Attitudes towards domestic abuse are changing; it's no longer seen as a private matter, or no business of criminal law. We are grateful to the Police and our partner organisation for the work they are doing to change attitudes and behaviours, and we will continue our campaign to eradicate the scourge that is domestic abuse."
Parliament voted unanimously to support the general principles of the Domestic Abuse Bill at Stage 1 on the 28th of September. Stage 2 is expected to take place in November.
Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Teller, 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."
Recorded by Police Scotland, the figures also show that 79% of these incidents had a female victim and a male accused.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the figures demonstrate the need for the Scottish Government to continue its drive to reduce gender-based violence.
Mt Matheson said; "While the 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 disproportionally 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.
"Attitudes towards domestic abuse are changing; it's no longer seen as a private matter, or no business of criminal law. We are grateful to the Police and our partner organisation for the work they are doing to change attitudes and behaviours, and we will continue our campaign to eradicate the scourge that is domestic abuse."
Parliament voted unanimously to support the general principles of the Domestic Abuse Bill at Stage 1 on the 28th of September. Stage 2 is expected to take place in November.
Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Teller, 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."
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