Refuge Crisis As ‘Epidemic’ Of Domestic Violence Hits Scotland

Levels of domestic abuse have risen by 7 per cent in a year, it was revealed yesterday, with ministers warning the figures represent the tip of the iceberg.

The scale of the problem is highlighted in Scotland as campaigners say they are forced to turn women away from refuges because of a lack of resources.

Findings on partner abuse from the 2006 Scottish Crime and Victimisation Survey show that only one victim in five reported the incident to police.

Last night, the communities and sport minister, Stewart Maxwell, said the figures represented “the tip of the iceberg” and an increase in funding would help to tackle the problem of violence in the home.

Psychologists say women are often terrorised at the end of a relationship, with police figures revealing that, in 34 per cent of cases, the victim and perpetrator are former partners.

Mr Maxwell said: “It is deplorable that male violence against women, through crimes such as rape or domestic abuse, continues to devastate lives.

“It’s important we do all we can to encourage people to report incidents, so we can know the true extent of this problem and ensure that perpetrators are properly punished.”

The statistics, published yesterday by the Scottish Government, show a 7 per cent increase in domestic abuse recorded in 2006-07, from 45,812 incidents in 2005-06 to 48,801.

This continues the steady increase in attacks reported since 1999-2000, the first year for which data is available.

Dr Mairead Tagg, a psychologist with Greater Easter House Women’s Aid, said the scourge of domestic violence was apparent in all classes and social groups. “Domestic abuse cuts across all classes, incomes, religions and cultures,” she said. “We need more refuges and continue to turn women away.”

Last night, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), called for urgent action to tackle the shortfall in the provision of services across the UK.

In a report yesterday, the commission revealed that one in every ten women experienced violence each year. Research shows that women face a postcode lottery for basic support, with Scotland leading the rest of the UK in service provision.

The report, Map of Gaps, notes that Scotland is the only part of the UK where there has been an expansion of Rape Crisis centres. However, it concludes that there are too few programmes addressing offender behaviour north of the Border.

Morag Alexander, Scotland commissioner of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, described domestic violence as “a hidden epidemic of unimaginable proportions”.

She said: “We owe it to every woman to allow them to feel safe, secure and respected.”

Under laws introduced in April, local authorities are obliged to ensure that women are given equal rights.