Serial domestic abusers in Scotland have been jailed for a total of almost 230 years this year in a major police crackdown.
The force reported that 32 offenders accumulated total sentences of more than 228 years in 2025, with one person given 17 years in prison.
They were convicted of 240 offenses following proactive investigations by Police Scotland’s domestic abuse task force.
The offenses involved 110 victims, all women and children, with offenses including rape, sexual assault, stalking, permanent disfigurement, endangering life, threats against pets and more under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act.
Crimes of domestic abuse have risen by 10 per cent in Scotland over the past year, figures reveal (PA Archive)
Crimes of domestic abuse have increased by 10 per cent in Scotland over the past year, while detection rates have only increased by almost 8 per cent.
Police Scotland officers respond to a domestic abuse call every eight minutes, according to the latest figures. More than 66,000 incidents were reported between October 2024 and September of this year, of which 40.3 percent resulted in a registered crime.
Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime, said the force remained “relentless” in tackling domestic abuse.
He said: “Our officers are determined to ensure that women and girls live free from violence and abuse. We are relentless in our focus on tackling domestic abuse. It will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable.
“We deal with violence against women and girls every day of the year, preventing harm and bringing perpetrators to justice. We don’t do this alone but work with partners to identify and address societal issues at the root of gender-based violence, so we can stop abusive behavior before it starts.
“No one should have to experience abuse. We are committed to supporting all survivors of victims, protecting them, and investigating every report of domestic abuse so they can come forward with confidence. Help is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.
“As we look ahead to 2026, our message to the offenders remains the same. If you continue to abuse and show abusive behavior, you will be caught and anyone who continues to abuse will face the full force of the law.”
Between November 25 and December 10, the force took part in an annual initiative focused on eliminating gender-based violence called 16 Days of Activism, in which they arrested 500 perpetrators of domestic abuse and charged more than 380.
The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is dedicated men’s advice line at 0808 8010 327. Those in the United States can call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found through www.befrienders.org.