Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.

It 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. 

Following on from our previous #IsThatMe campaign, this year’s ‘Couples Questions’ campaign once again encourages young men to reflect on their behaviour and take action to stop if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour in their relationships.

Why is our campaign aimed at men?

Scottish Government figures consistently show that in the last ten years, approximately 80% of all incidents reported to Police Scotland involve a male perpetrator.

In 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse. Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.

We know that women can be abusers too but with such consistent statistics, 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 developing.

What do we want young men to do?

If anyone viewing our campaign materials sees themselves in the behaviour depicted, we want them to #ChooseToStop and seek help and advice from the Respect Phoneline.

The Respect Phoneline is an organisation that offers support to people across Scotland who are concerned about their harmful or abusive behaviour. Their expert Advisors will listen, talk through a person’s situation and help them develop strategies to change that can help them and their loved ones.

If anyone sees themselves at risk of harm from domestic abuse then we would encourage them to report it. There are a number of ways to report domestic abuse. Online, using our online reporting form, in person at a police station or by calling 101. In an emergency call 999.

For further information on domestic abuse see our advice pages on our website and our campaign launch news article.