DO not suffer in silence, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain is urging women.
She has spoken out against the crime of coercive control within domestic relationships and encouraged victims not to suffer in silence.
Scotland’s senior law officer has pledged the full commitment of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to support victims who find themselves being controlled and abused.
She spoke out after new figures were revealed by the service
The Lord Advocate said: “The festive period can be a particularly dreadful time for those who experience domestic abuse.
“Friends and family members may be busy enjoying the season without ever knowing that for some people the suffering endures or worsens.
“The insidious nature of this crime means that it often happens behind closed doors, and we all spend a lot of time at home during winter months.
“For far too many women in Scotland, this is a frightening prospect. The 5113 reports we received during the festive period last year is an indication of what is going on in our communities.
“We recognise that physical violence is only one form of domestic abuse. Our laws capture psychological, verbal, sexual and economic abuse and stalking as forms of coercive control.
“Some abusers may monitor or control where their victim goes, what they wear, who they see or communicate with. They may restrict and manipulate the life of a partner, eroding confidence and individuality, controlling through fear.
“Such behaviour is abhorrent. There is no excuse. The law does not tolerate it.”
Meanwhile, new police statistics for this year revealed that more than 80 per cent of the reported crimes involved a male perpetrator.
The Lord Advocate added: “Domestic abuse damages the lives of victims, children and families. It blights Scottish society.
“Those who suffer must have the confidence and courage to speak out, secure in the knowledge that they will be heard and supported by trauma-informed staff at COPFS.
“As public prosecutors we pledge to continue working towards a society where no one endures the misery of domestic abuse.
“We look forward to a time when no one need fear being at home with their partner.”
