THE FIGHT AGAINST Domestic Abuse in Moray and throughout Scotland will intensify with figures released by Police Scotland today showing that over 1000 requests for disclosure under new laws have been made.
In the first year of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS), 1044 requests were made between October 1, 2015 and September 29 this year.
These have resulted in 443 disclosures being made – of which 371 have been told that their partner has an abusive past.
DSDAS is aimed at tackling and preventing domestic abuse and through the scheme people can request a disclosure if they believe their current partner may have an abusive past, or a request can be made on their behalf.
Nearly 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to Police Scotland in 2014/15 accounting for around one-fifth of police time. On average, a domestic abuse call is received by Police Scotland once every nine minutes, placing a substantial demand on the service.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “Domestic abuse is a despicable crime and a blight on society.
“The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland is part of a long term approach to supporting potential victims. In some instances, such a disclosure can break the cycle of violence and abuse, protecting many people. Working with our partners, we continue to support people through the disclosure process and to prevent people becoming victims.
“Police Scotland will not tolerate domestic abuse – we will tackle it and we aim to prevent it destroying the lives of its victims, as well as those of children, who all too often witness such abuse. If you are an abuser, understand this – there is no place to hide, we will find you.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “Domestic abuse is an abhorrent and inexcusable crime.
“It robs victims of their right to have a normal, happy life and, in the worst cases, it can result in their life being taken away completely. That is why Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse has had the full support of Scottish Government from pilot to national roll out and that included funding an awareness raising campaign as the Scheme was rolled out last year.
“We knew it was the right thing to do as it is only right that people in relationships should have the opportunity to seek the facts about their partner’s background if, for example, they have concerns that their partner has a history of violence.
“The Scheme sends a strong and unequivocal message that domestic abuse is unacceptable and that we are committed to action that can help to reduce the risk of further harm.
“I am pleased that in its first year of national operation the scheme has helped so many people access information in a safe and supportive way which could make a real difference to their lives.”
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