Understanding domestic abuse
Scottish Women’s Aid believes that causes of domestic abuse lie in historical inequalities which still exist between men and women in our society. (It used to be legal for a man to ‘beat his wife’.)
No one deserves to be abused. No one should have to put up with abuse.
There is support for anyone who needs help. Women and children who are affected by domestic abuse have rights under the law.
Women and children can recover from the effects of domestic abuse and violence and move on with their lives.
Some key facts
- One in five women in Scotland experiences domestic abuse at some stage in her life.
- Domestic abuse can affect any woman regardless of race, class, age, religion, sexuality, ability, income, lifestyle or where she stays.
- The cost to the NHS in England and Wales for physical injuries is around £1.2 billion a year and mental health care is estimated at an additional £176 million.
- 88% of crimes and offences of domestic abuse and 95% of crimes of indecency (mostly sexual assault) are perpetrated by men against women.
Sources
- SCS 2002 report: Macpherson, S. (2002). Scottish Crime Survey. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive
- Scottish Government (2007). Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2006-0. Statistical Bulletin, Criminal Justice Series (CrJ/2007/11). Edinburgh, UK.
- Walby S (2004) The Cost of Domestic Violence. Women & Equality Unit