Dispelling Myths About Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics, yet misconceptions about it persist. These myths can prevent survivors from seeking help and allow perpetrators patterns of harmful behaviours to continue without any consequences.
During last years’ 16 Days of Activism Campaign in association with Police Scotland, West Lothian Council and ourselves, we shared myths around domestic abuse each day. In this blog, we’ll further debunk some of the most common myths surrounding domestic abuse.
Myth #1: Domestic Abuse Is Always Physical
Reality: Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. Coercive control—a form of psychological abuse where an abuser uses tactics to dominate and manipulate another person—is a particularly insidious form of abuse that often goes unnoticed. It can involve isolating the victim from friends and family, monitoring their activities, controlling finances, gaslighting, and making threats to instil fear. Unlike physical abuse, coercive control is often subtle and can make the victim feel trapped in a cycle of manipulation. In the UK, coercive control has been recognised as a criminal offense since 2015.
Myth #2: Victims Can Easily Leave Their Abuser
Reality: Leaving an abusive relationship is incredibly difficult. Many survivors face financial dependence, fear of retaliation, emotional manipulation, and lack of support. Studies show that victims often attempt to leave multiple times before successfully escaping the cycle of abuse. It is important to note that safety concerns for a survivor increase considerably during the leaving process as the perpetrator of abuse experiences a loss of control.
Myth #3: Domestic Abuse Only Happens in Certain Communities
Reality: Domestic abuse occurs across all socioeconomic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. No group is immune, and stereotypes about who experiences abuse can prevent survivors from seeking help.
Myth #4: Alcohol and Drugs Cause Domestic Abuse
Reality: While substance abuse can exacerbate abusive behaviour, it is not the root cause of domestic abuse. Abuse is about power and control and instilling fear. Many perpetrators do not rely on substances in exerting their patterns of abusive behaviour.
Myth #5: Children Are Not Affected If They Don’t Witness the Abuse
Reality: Children living in abusive households are deeply impacted, even if they do not directly witness the abuse. Studies show that exposure to domestic abuse can lead to long-term emotional and psychological harm. Children and Young people living with domestic abuse are survivors in their own right and need their own support to recover.
Dispelling myths about domestic abuse is crucial in fostering a society that supports survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.
Here are some of the most recent facts and figures within Scotland to help us understand the scope of this abuse within our local communities. It is important to note that the majority of survivors of domestic abuse do not report their experiences due to fear of reprisal.
Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
38% of these incidents (24,144) included at least one crime or offence, while the remaining 62% did not.
Common assault was the most frequently recorded crime, accounting for 31% of all crimes and offences related to domestic abuse.
Threatening and abusive behaviour, along with crimes against public justice, each made up 20% of recorded offences.
91% of domestic abuse incidents occurred in a home setting.
Since 2018-19, Police Scotland has recorded over 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse each year, though experts believe the actual number is much higher due to underreporting.
64% of domestic abuse incidents in 2022-23 involved a survivor and suspected perpetrator who had previously been recorded in a domestic abuse case.
Nearly half (49%) of incidents recorded by Police Scotland were between ex-partners, while 50% were between current partners.
Females aged 31-35 had the highest rate per 10,000 population for survivors, while males in the same age group had the highest rate for suspected perpetrators.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out to ourselves and other local support services. Awareness and education are powerful tools in the fight against domestic abuse.
Let’s work together to create a world where women, children and young people feels safe and free from domestic abuse.
Kat x