Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland: Monitoring Framework, 2025

10. Reduction in emotional and psychological harm from violence

Violence can contribute to a range of emotional and psychological harms at an individual level. Research on repeat violence victimisation in Scotland found that harms may worsen with repeat experiences of violence, and may contribute to the development of harmful coping behaviours, including alcohol and/or substance misuse, self-harm and/or further involvement in violence.

In 2023-24, 93% of adults in Scotland who had experienced a violent crime reported an emotional impact[45] from violence. The proportion reporting any emotional impact from violence is similar to 2008-09, while over the same time period there have been significant increases in the proportion reporting some specific emotional impacts – annoyance, shock, loss of confidence and increased vulnerability, and difficulty sleeping – as a result of violent victimisation. This indicator monitors changes in the proportion reporting loss of confidence and feeling vulnerable as a result of violence as a proxy for emotional and psychological harm.

10.1 Proportion of victims of violent crime reporting loss of confidence and feeling vulnerable as a result of violence

Figure 18: The proportion of victims of violence reporting loss of confidence or feeling vulnerable as a result of violence has trended upwards since 2008-09.

Proportion of victims of violence reporting a loss of confidence or feeling vulnerable as a result of violence, Scotland, 2008-09 to 2023-24.

Source: Scottish Government - Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2023/24.

In 2023-24, almost two fifths (38%) of victims of violence reported a loss of confidence or feeling vulnerable as a result of experiencing violence. This has been on an upward trend since 2008-09 when the proportion of victims of violence reporting a loss of confidence or feeling vulnerable as a result of violence was 13%.

 

[45] Includes SCJS respondents reporting any of the following: annoyed, shock, anger, lost confidence/ felt vulnerable, fear, difficulty sleeping, anxious/had panic attacks, crying /tearful, depressed.