Sharp rise in domestic abuse charges as experts tell victims: 'Speak to someone - do not live in fear'

A women's support group has welcomed new figures that show more people are being charged with domestic abuse offences in the north and north-east. The Crown Office has published data which shows 94 people were charged with this kind of offence in Scotland each day in the 12 months up to the end of March 2026. In total, that amounts to 34,586 charges – a 14% increase on the previous 12-month period. The Crown compiles data regionally according to Procurator Fiscal bases, of which there are 12 in the north and north-east. New statistics show a rise in the number of people being charged in 10 of those 12 areas, including Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverness and Peterhead. In Aberdeen, there was a 32% increase in the number of charges, from 1,740 to 2,291. Inverness saw a much smaller rise – of 3% – from 724 to 747 charges. The increase in Elgin was 13%, with the number of charges going from 452 to 512. Some of the percentages changes can appear more dramatic when the underlying numbers are low, such as in Portree where the number of charges rose from 27 to 71 – a 163% rise. That could also be said of the Banff area, where a rise from 67 charges to 81 represents a 21% increase. Of the charges brought, 91% resulted in prosecutions in 2025/26, a slight decrease from the previous year's figure of 92%. Reacting to the figures, Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women's Aid welcomed the high percentage of prosecutions and described domestic abuse legislation as 'a good use of our law.' We asked Dr Scott if she believed the increase in the number of charges was down to a greater instance of domestic abuse or victims being more likely to come forward. Dr Scott said: 'We can't pinpoint the exact reason for the increase in the other figures; possibilities include increased awareness of domestic abuse and increased confidence in reporting. 'Any report of a domestic abuse offence is a cause for concern, and these figures are a stark reminder of the level of harm occurring every day. 'Preventing future harm requires urgent, consistent action across all systems, to ensure survivors and their children get a competent response that maximises their safety.' Dr Scott added: 'The majority of women never report their experiences, and so we will continue to work with frontline services across Scotland to ensure they are domestic abuse competent and support is available when it is required. 'Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, hosted by Scottish Women's Aid, has had an increase of 48% in contacts between 2024/25 and 2025/26, due to a targeted awareness campaign. 'When survivors know support is available and accessible, they reach out. Detective Superintendent Adam Brown of Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit said: 'Domestic Abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and we will fully investigate all reports made. 'In addition to the dedicated specialist domestic abuse detectives in local policing divisions, our regional domestic abuse task Force targets high-risk and serial perpetrators across Scotland. 'We take a proactive approach and since January, 2026, have worked to identify and approach an additional 556 potential victims to establish whether they wish to make a report, and continue to investigate alleged perpetrators. 'We work closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service to ensure that cases are robust and that the risk posed by perpetrators is considered. 'Our joint approach has seen many essential interventions, successful prosecutions, and significant sentences. 'We also work to build confidence in reporting domestic abuse though our partnerships with agencies including local authorities and women's aid organisations. 'Their work is crucial in helping ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported.' Speaking to coincide as the figures were published, Scotland's most senior prosecutor Ruth Charteris KC spoke of her commitment to ensuring domestic abusers are brought to justice. She said protecting women and girls from abusive men will be a clear priority during her time in office. Ms Charteris said: 'I am acutely aware that every one of the 34,586 charges received by COPFS reflects the suffering of a victim – in the overwhelming majority of cases, a woman harmed by a man. 'It is concerning for all of us that the number of reports has increased, particularly those involving some of the most serious offending. 'Scotland must change. 'Ending domestic abuse in our communities is an issue for each of us to address every day, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours wherever we see them. 'Prevention is vital if Scotland is to reduce this harm in the future, but there are victims who need the protection of the law today. 'Where men are abusing victims now, the justice system must respond firmly and hold that behaviour to account. 'Perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions through robust prosecution that reflects the nature and seriousness of their offending. 'Victims should be assured they will be listened to and taken seriously by prosecutors; their experiences will be recognised; they will be supported through the legal process. 'Using prosecution to protect victims, prevent further harm and hold abusers to account will be a guiding principle during my time as Lord Advocate.' COPFS' national lead prosecutor for domestic abuse, Dr Emma Forbes, said: 'To anyone experiencing abuse; it is not your fault. You deserve safety, not fear. 'If you are enduring abuse, have witnessed abuse, or are simply worried about a friend or relative, please speak to someone you trust or report to Police Scotland. 'We know it can be difficult to come forward but you will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.' Police Scotland's website contains advice for domestic abuse sufferers, including for people in abusive relationships. Help is available via Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234, via www.sdafmh.org.uk