VIOLENCE against women and girls continues to rise in Dumfries and Galloway, according to a new report.
There were a total of 2495 referrals made to specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services over the last two years – an increase of 24 per cent on the previous two-year period.
Police had intervened and made a third of those referrals to care teams, while victims reached out for support directly themselves in 29 per cent of cases.
This data was revealed in a Dumfries and Galloway Violence Against Women and Girls biennial report (2022-24) that was tabled at the council’s social work committee last week.
It was produced by Hamish McGhie, chairman of the region’s public protection committee, who wrote: “Data shows a rise in domestic abuse identified under child and adult protection in the most recent quarter of 2023/24.
“At the same time, the number of domestic abuse incidents and crimes reported by police increased, with referrals to specialist services and multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC) remaining high.
“To further understand the rise, targeted audit and self-evaluation activity will continue through 2024/25.
“Women aged 30-39 remain the most affected age group, making up 27 per cent of those referred into specialist services. This is consistent with those supported under adult support and protection with psychological harm, substance use, and physical harm the highest associated concern/harm types identified.”
Women and girls who have been affected, who turn to alcohol and drugs in their time of crisis, are signposted to mental health and specialist drug and alcohol services.
However, increased demand across all services “remains a challenge”, according to the report.
The report states: “Demand across services affects the ability to support people in a timely manner. This then impacts on increased waiting time to access support.”
The 24 percent increase to VAWG services has been partly attributed to the commencement of ASSIST services from April 2023 – a domestic abuse advocacy service.
The ASSIST service, based within Glasgow City Council, was rolled out to this region through Scottish Government funding to help victims in Dumfries and Galloway.
However, the high number of referrals is also down to more women seeking help from Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis in comparison to the previous two-year period.
