Police Scotland has secured prison sentences totalling almost 230 years for serial domestic abusers in a major year-long enforcement drive. The force's dedicated task force has seen 32 offenders handed cumulative jail terms exceeding 228 years, with one individual receiving a 17-year sentence.
Scale of Abuse and Police Action
The convictions relate to 240 separate offences uncovered by proactive investigations from Police Scotland's domestic abuse task force. These crimes impacted 110 confirmed victims, all of whom were women and children.
The offences, prosecuted under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act, included severe violence and coercion. They ranged from rape and sexual assault to stalking, permanent disfigurement, and acts causing danger to life. Perpetrators also used threats against family pets as a method of control.
Rising Reports and Enforcement Challenge
This crackdown comes against a backdrop of increasing domestic abuse reports across Scotland. Official figures reveal a 10 per cent rise in recorded domestic abuse crimes over the past year. While detection rates have improved by nearly 8 per cent, they still lag behind the increase in incidents.
The demand on police resources is immense. Officers currently respond to a domestic abuse call every eight minutes. Between October 2024 and September 2025, more than 66,000 incidents were reported, with over 40% resulting in a formal crime record.
A Relentless Focus on Perpetrators and Support for Survivors
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, the executive lead for major crime and public protection, emphasised the force's unwavering commitment. He stated that Police Scotland is "relentless" in its mission to tackle domestic abuse and ensure women and girls can live free from violence and fear.
"It will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable," ACC Johnson asserted. He highlighted the dual approach of bringing offenders to justice while working with partners to address the root societal causes of gender-based violence, aiming to prevent abusive behaviour before it starts.
The force reinforced its message to offenders for the coming year, warning that anyone who continues to abuse will face the full force of the law. This stance was demonstrated during the annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, from 25 November to 10 December, where police arrested 500 perpetrators and charged more than 380.
ACC Johnson also underscored the commitment to victim-survivors: "No one should have to experience abuse. We are committed to supporting all victim-survivors, protecting them, and investigating every report of domestic abuse so they can come forward with confidence."
Help and support is available for anyone affected. The national domestic abuse helpline for women is 0808 2000 247, and support can also be found via the Refuge website. A dedicated men's advice line operates on 0808 8010 327.
