By Carla Basu

Christmas for many people is a time for happiness and celebration. However, it can also be a time of fear for millions of people worldwide due to the impact of domestic abuse.

There were 30,000 Domestic Abuse incidents reported to police over the past year alone. With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, Police Scotland are expecting an increase in reports of Domestic Abuse.

A Domestic abuse survivor, “Jane”, who’s name has been changed for legal reasons, suffered 27 years of severe physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of her perpetrator. In a recent interview, Jane stated that “The abuse was always severe from the very beginning of our marriage, especially when I was pregnant. I used to dread the Christmas holidays with him because I knew he would blow up at any given time. If the dinner wasn’t made on time, if I came downstairs to use the toilet, if he had too much to drink. It wouldn’t just be a slap, it would be a full blown beating”.

At least 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime according to Monklands Women’s Aid, with the same applying to 1 in 6 men. CEO, Sharon Atchison, highlighted why it is difficult for victims to leave a domestic relationship; “Societies for centuries have blamed women, and in unconscious ways, women blame themselves. Women are trying to manage an unmanageable situation, and sometimes its easier to manage the risks that you know, than the risks that you don’t know”.

Many people are unaware of the support platforms that are available to help victims of domestic abuse. Chief Superintendent, Gillian Faulds, head of Domestic Violence at Police Scotland, said that any women who is in a domestic relationship and needs support should call 101 or to dial 999 in an emergency.

In 2021, the Scottish government introduced a new legislation, which is set out to strengthen the support of authorised agencies for victims of abuse.  

Although some people have praised the government for tightening laws, there is a clear indication that domestic violence is still a major societal issue.  If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic abuse, you can contact Scotland’s Women’s Aid on 0800 027 1234.