COVID-19 Domestic Violence Country Updates: Scotland
In a report in late March, the Scottish Government found that during the first three weeks of lockdown, domestic violence referral rates declined; however, since then, the rates have increased as lockdown restrictions have loosened. Police Scotland reported a 22.75% increase in domestic abuse cases since the start of the lockdown. The report also concluded that victims and children are at a greater risk of experiencing abuse. As a result of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, Scottish courts are operating in a limited capacity and only accepting domestic violence cases that they deem “urgent.” Organizations dedicated to preventing gendered-based violence have stepped forward during this period to run hotlines and provide victims with the necessary support.
In This Section