Rutherglen and Cambuslang residents are being urged to share domestic abuse concerns with police as a new report highlights a spike in offences at home and in cyber space.
The Police Scotland performance report shows almost 1700 offences were recorded under new domestic abuse laws during its first year in legislation.
Introduced on April 1 last year, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act criminalised the coercive and controlling behaviours used by domestic abusers, creating a single offence which covers the full range of abusive behaviours whether physical, psychological, financial or sexual.
The report reveals 1681 crimes under DASA were recorded during the year, with 1158 detected.
The new offences are counted within Group 1 crimes of violence, which increased by 1297 crimes (16.2 per cent) year on year.
Inspector Stephen McManus of Rutherglen police stated that domestic abuse has no boundaries. He said: Domestic abuse remains a priority locally and nationally for Police Scotland.
“Domestic abuse in any form is completely unacceptable and should never be tolerated, it is a hugely impactful crime that causes great distress to victims as well as their families and friends.
“Everyone could potentially be affected by domestic abuse as it has no boundaries. I would ask the residents of Rutherglen to Cambuslang to be mindful of the severity of this form of abuse and report any concerns they may have to us, particularly given the additional isolation experienced due to COVID 19 restrictions.”
Also highlighted in the report is the increase in crimes with a cyber element, including the disclosure of, or threat of disclosure of, intimate images, as well as online grooming and cyber-related fraud.
The period covered by this report includes only a very small number of days during which emergency measures to ensure physical distancing in response to coronavirus were in place.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor has urged people to share their concerns with police, she said: “Crimes recorded under the new domestic abuse legislation underline the fact that, sadly, private, and indeed virtual, spaces are not safe places for everyone.
“For some people, the stay at home guidance may expose them to a greater risk of abuse, harm and neglect.
“I want to reiterate that Police Scotland remains here to help and support our fellow citizens to keep them safe in all aspects of their lives.
“If you need police assistance, if you need our support or intervention, or if you have concerns about someone else, contact us and we will help.”
Clare Haughey, Rutherglen MSP has urged victims not to feel alone and to seek support, she said: “It is a sad and shocking reality that incidents of domestic abuse have increased during our lockdown period. No woman or man should ever be forced to experience such reprehensible abuse – not now, not ever.
“Unfortunately, victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence may be feeling more vulnerable than ever right now, but please remember that you are not alone as police and support services are still available during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
