Recorded statistics of domestic abuse in Scotland: FOI release

Information requested

i. The number of incidents that were classified as domestic abuse incidents in the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics for the financial years of 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

ii. The sub-categories in the recorded crime statistics to which they were classified in. For example, the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics 2018-19 state they are often included in ‘common assault’ or ‘threatening or abusive behaviour’ categories.

Response

Most of the information you have requested is available in the Official Statistics on Domestic Abuse in Scotland publication, the latest of which is available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/domestic-abuse-scotland-2018-2019-statistics/

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access
to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

While the Recorded Crime in Scotland bulletin does not include information on the number or type of incidents recorded by the police, this information is available in the Domestic Abuse in Scotland Official Statistics publication, the latest of which was published in February 2020, covering the 2018-19 financial year, and is available at the link above.

With regard to your second point, Table 2 in the above publication contains statistics on the types of crimes and offences recorded by the police as part of incidents of domestic abuse. It is important to note that more than one crime or offence may be recorded as part of any single domestic abuse incident. Information from 2016-17 onwards, the first year for which these statistics are available, can be found at the links below:

Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2017-18: https://www.gov.scot/publications/domestic-abuse-recorded-police-scotland-2017-18/

Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2016-17: https://www.gov.scot/publications/domestic-abuse-recorded-police-scotland-2016-17/

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.