Scotland has seen a rise in domestic abuse charges prosecuted under its specific legislation, according to Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris, who leads the nation's prosecution system. In the 2025-26 period, 34,586 domestic abuse charges were reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). While this overall figure represents a significant societal challenge, Charteris noted an encouraging increase in the use of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act (DASA) since its inception in 2019.
In 2025-26, there were 2,815 charges prosecuted under DASA, marking a steady annual growth and representing approximately 8% of all reported domestic abuse charges. Charteris stated that this increase suggests an improving public and legal understanding of domestic abuse, allowing for the capture of victims' lived experiences that might otherwise have gone unreported.
The DASA introduced a singular offense for engaging in a course of abusive behavior towards a partner or former partner, recognizing that domestic abuse is often characterized by power and control. This legislation allows for a comprehensive charge that can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and other forms of abuse over time, reflecting the reality of coercive control. The law's effectiveness was demonstrated in a recent case where Lee Milne was convicted of culpable homicide following his wife Kimberley's suicide. Prosecutors were able to present evidence of Milne's coercive and controlling behavior, which led to his conviction and sentence.
Charteris also highlighted concerns about the prevalence of strangulation, identifying it as a significant risk factor for domestic homicide and suicide. Scotland prosecutes a higher proportion of strangulation cases compared to other parts of the UK and Ireland, treating these offenses with seriousness. "There is no room for complacency," she stated.
While acknowledging the progress in legal responses, Charteris emphasized that legislation alone is insufficient. She called for a broader societal approach to tackling domestic abuse, stressing that it is not solely a women's issue but a societal one that requires collective action in homes, schools, communities, public services, and government. Prevention efforts must complement prosecution to protect victims and hold abusers accountable.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland allows for concerns about an individual's history of domestic abuse to be raised. Charteris urged anyone feeling unsafe at home to report to the police, assuring them that allegations will be taken seriously and considered sensitively.