The scale of domestic abuse incidents between young couples has prompted a councillor to declare it ‘a battle we are not winning’ – as horrifying statistics showed an increase of violence towards women.
Statistics from Police Scotland show that during 2019/20 there were 62,907 incidents of domestic abuse recorded in Scotland, a rise of 3.7% from the previous year.
There were 115 incidents of abuse per 10,000 people in Scotland compared to 150 incidents per 10,000 people in West Dunbartonshire making it the fourth highest rate out of all local authorities in Scotland.
Between 2019 and 2021 women were still more likely to be victims of domestic violence and men more likely to be the perpetrators.
Since 2019 there have been 153 female victims and in 152 of these cases the abuser was a man. There were just six male victims and in five cases the perpetrator was a woman.
And when the issue was discussed at West Dunbartonshire Council’s housing committee, members were shocked at the age of those involved.
Councillors agreed more needs to be done to tackle the problem which leaves one fifth between the ages of 16 and 24 at risk of being homeless.
Figures reveal that domestic abuse cases accounted for at least 22% of homelessness presentations made to West Dunbartonshire Council in 2020/21 and 82% of these cases were women.
Councillor David McBride said: “It is extremely sad to hear of domestic abuse in any circumstance but looking at the age range there that one fifth are between 16 and 24 to me was quite surprising.
“I was hoping that the new generation were not going to be inflicting this on partners and that clearly is not the case. That is a battle we are not winning and we need to deal with this at a young age.”
Chairwoman Diane Docherty agreed and said that perpetrators needed to be named so the council could help stop the problem.
She said: “I attend meetings about this issue and it is always about how we can help women but this is something that men need to deal with and take responsibility for their actions. It can’t all be about how can we help women?
“I understand there are male victims as well but these statistics are horrifying. I think more men should be getting involved in the white ribbon campaign.”
