Domestic abuse charges reach 'crisis point' as cases reach 11-year high
The 14 per cent increase in domestic abuse charges comes after soaring numbers of rape and attempted rape in Scotland.
John Swinney’s government has been accused of “failing to take the measures that would keep women safe” after the number of domestic abuse charges soared to the highest number in 11 years.
New statistics from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have revealed that there were 34,586 domestic abuse charges received in 2025-26 - up 14 per cent on the previous year.
COPFS branded the number a “significant increase” and is the highest number of charges reported since 2014-15.
Offences which included a “domestic abuse identifier” included bail offences, threatening and abusive behaviour, and cases of common assault.
But they also included 11 charges of murder or culpable homicide – up from six in 2024-25 – and 817 cases where there was a charge of either serious assault or attempted murder, which was up from 568.
Charges of rape and attempted rape also rose, from 635 in 2024-25 to 885 in 2025-26
The vast majority of domestic abuse charges result in a prosecution.
The First Minister used his programme for government last week to pledge the “personal leadership required to tackle the epidemic of male violence against women and girls in our society”.
But his government has come under attack for a failure to bring forward promised domestic abuse measures including GPS tagging, while Justice Secretary Neil Gray is under pressure for his plans to end the exemption of domestic abusers and rapists from the next stage of the Scottish government’s prison early release scheme.
Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris has acknowledged that the increase in domestic abuse charges is of concern.
She said: “It is concerning for all of us that the number of reports has increased, particularly those involving some of the most serious offending.
“Scotland must change. Ending domestic abuse in our communities is an issue for each of us to address every day, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours wherever we see them.”
“Perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions through robust prosecution that reflects the nature and seriousness of their offending.”
Opposition parties have heaped criticism on the SNP government for a lack of action and a failure to follow through on promises to better protect victims and survivors.
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill, said: “These figures are extremely concerning. It is clear that violence against women is reaching a crisis point.
“Women are being failed even after abusers are known to the justice system. Frankly, this SNP government is failing to take the measures that would keep women safe.”
Scottish Conservative equalities spokeswoman, Meghan Gallacher, said: "John Swinney insists tackling domestic abuse is a priority for him, but these shocking figures show the need for him to act urgently.
"After over 34,000 charges last year, victims will judge the SNP by their actions, not their warm words.”
She accused the Scottish government of overseeing “a justice system that puts the needs of offenders ahead of victims”.
Ms Gallacher added: “John Swinney must finally match his rhetoric with action and ensure domestic abusers always face the full consequences of their crimes, including ending the early release of those convicted of these horrific offences.”
Mr Gray said: “Violence against women and girls is abhorrent. While any increase is concerning, it is important that women feel able to turn to the justice system and that perpetrators are robustly held to account.
“The increased number of reports under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 shows the legislation is being used to tackle abusive behaviour, while the increased number of cases progressing through the courts shows that men who inflict violence and abuse can be held to account and face the consequences of the law.”
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