Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC has voiced concern over a 14% increase in domestic abuse charges in Scotland, stressing the necessity of both legal protection for current victims and proactive prevention strategies.
"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," Charteris stated. "It is concerning for all of us that the number of reports has increased, particularly those involving some of the most serious offending."
She asserted that the justice system would "respond firmly" and hold perpetrators accountable through "robust prosecution that reflects the nature and seriousness of their offending." Victims, she added, should be assured that prosecutors will listen to them, take their experiences seriously, and provide support throughout the legal process.
Charteris indicated that protecting women and girls from abusive men will be a priority during her tenure. "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," she said. Mian Image: