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