DV Early Intervention

Another article from The Scotsman this time reporting NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has launched an early- intervention scheme to crack down on DV amid fears that middle-class women are failing to report abuse. Middle-class women often refused to seek help because of the stigma associated with the crime. Academics cited doctors, church ministers and sheriffs as some of the perpetrators of abuse.

FACT BOX

• REPORTED cases of domestic violence have increased markedly in Scotland, with recent figures showing a rise of almost 14 per cent in four years.

• In 2007-8, police recorded 49,655 incidents of domestic abuse, compared with 43,632 in 2004-5.

• Those most at risk of abuse are women aged 31 to 35, and it is estimated that one in five women in Scotland experiences domestic abuse at some stage.

• On average, Central Scotland Police receive 300 calls of domestic violence incidents every month. But campaigners say this is only the tip of the iceberg and many victims suffer in silence for many years.

• Research shows the average victim will have been subject to 35 incidents before they seek help. Charities are calling for more resources to tackle the issue so the early signs of abuse can be picked up at hospitals and clinics.

• In the UK as a whole, an average two women a week are killed by a male partner or former partner – this constitutes about one-third of all female homicide victims.

• Women's charities point out domestic abuse can affect any woman, regardless of her race, class, age, income or religion.