SafeLives launches Whole Lives: Improving the response to domestic abuse in Scotland
Today, domestic abuse charity SafeLives brings together services and charities to galvanise improvements to the response to domestic abuse in Scotland, publishing its Whole Lives report, which provides brand new data on the problem.
Today's event will bring together key individuals and expertise from across Scotland, including representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland, Police Scotland, specialist domestic abuse services and funders.
During the day we will talk about new opportunities to improve the response to a problem that affects over 130,000 people in Scotland every year – with over 9,000 women and 12,000 children living with the highest risk abuse. We will explore opportunities presented by new legislation announced by Nicola Sturgeon on 20th March, about further developing the response to those causing harm, the perpetrators, and looking at how children and adult protection systems can be brought closer together so both are made safer, sooner.
At the heart of this are the three elements which we know create success: great evidence, deep practical expertise and - vitally – the voice of those who have lived through abuse.
We hope the event, and our Whole Lives report, will lead to important steps forward for the domestic abuse response in Scotland, bringing multiple agencies together to work towards a consistent, quality response for every victim – and every family.
SafeLives Chief Executive Diana Barran said:
“We really look forward to working with local partners to improve the response to domestic abuse. The Scottish Government’s forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill represents a significant opportunity for change, as does the action plan for Equally Safe (just published in draft form).
We must ensure that the growing momentum around tackling domestic abuse creates a whole family response to domestic abuse: for every victim and every family. We know from police data and Scotland’s national crime survey that high numbers of women, men and children across the country are experiencing, or are exposed to, domestic abuse. This is not inevitable, or acceptable, and at SafeLives, we look forward to working with frontline services, charitable funders and Government to ensure that victims and children are protected as soon as possible, and to hold perpetrators to account.”
Domestic abuse is a life shattering experience. SafeLives is determined to work with all relevant partners to help build on the support available for victims and their children.
There is much more to be done. The publication of Whole Lives, and the event today, will be an opportunity to discuss what we know, what we don’t and what might need to happen next.
Key findings
- In 2015/16 Police Scotland recorded almost 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse. Half of these led to the recording of a crime or offence.
- 14% of adults (18.5% of women and 9.2% of men) report having experienced physical or psychological partner abuse since the age of 16. This means that almost one in five women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
- Based on the population and presence of domestic abuse, SafeLives estimates that every year over 9000 women at risk of serious harm or murder.
- We estimate that over 12,000 children in Scotland are living with the highest risk domestic abuse.
- The average length of abuse before seeking support is 4 years.
- One in 10 victims of abuse had attended A&E as a result of the abuse in the previous 12 months, but the health service is currently playing only a very limited role in responding to the problem.
Notes to editors
About SafeLives
We are a national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for good. We combine insight from frontline services, survivors and data to support people to become safe, well and rebuild their lives. Since 2005, SafeLives has worked with organisations across the country to transform the response to domestic abuse, with over 60,000 victims at highest risk of murder or serious harm now receiving co-ordinated support annually.
No one should live in fear. It is not acceptable, not inevitable, and together – we can make it stop.
Domestic abuse affects us all; it thrives on being hidden behind closed doors. We must make it everybody’s business.
What would you want for your best friend?
- Help made available wherever they need it – whether from the police, GP or hospital, or where they live
- Early, consistent and tailored support that makes them safe and meets their needs
- The choice to stay safely in their own home and community
- The perpetrator challenged to change and held to account.
- A response that reflects the fundamental connection between the experience of adults and their children
- Agencies working together to meet the practical needs that people have, providing help on areas such as housing, money and access to justice
We want this for each and every person living with abuse. Wherever they live, whoever they are.