Statement on the Scotland election result

Following the Scottish Parliament election on 7th May 2026, Head of SafeLives Scotland, Jessica Denniff said:  

“SafeLives welcome all newly elected and returning MSPs, and the incoming Scottish Government. We hope, and need, to see increased focus and political attention on the public health emergency that is domestic abuse.  

Last year, Police Scotland recorded more than 63,000 incidents of domestic abuse. But with most survivors never reporting the abuse they experience, and just one in five ever contacting the police, this is just the tip of the iceberg of a national crisis.  

Survivors are clear they want all parties across the new Government to listen, act fast, and make sure families are safer before more lives are ruined and more victims are killed. Ending domestic abuse should be a priority for every party, and every MSP has a role to play in building a Scotland where adult and child survivors are safer.  

The new Parliament presents an opportunity to work together to prevent domestic abuse, address risk, challenge perpetrators and support recovery.”

At SafeLives, we have worked with the survivors who form our Authentic Voice Panel and together we are clear that the Scottish Government must:  

• Centre the lived experience of survivors in the response to domestic abuse 
• Invest to end abuse 
• Strengthen the system response for the whole family 
• Prevent abuse 
• Take a cross-government approach to promote societal change 

Our vision is a Scotland where every adult and child lives free from domestic abuse.  

SafeLives works across the whole of Scotland. We specialise in intensive local work, scaling this up to inform national approaches, programmes and training. We know what works and we stand ready to work alongside the incoming Government, MSPs from across the Parliament, and partners across Scotland to help it happen. 

Read SafeLives call to Scottish Parliament 2026-31

‘Domestic abuse is Scotland’s hidden emergency.’ Read why survivors are demanding change

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you’re worried about someone else, you can find specialist support via Scottish Women’s Aid.

Contact 0800 027 1234 or visit www.womensaid.scot