Domestic Abuse remains a significant issue in North Lanarkshire and across Scotland. Last year there were around 64,000 incidents reported to Police Scotland, representing a 3% increase from the previous year, with an estimated 65% of suspected perpetrators having previously been involved in related incidents. On 24 June 2025, figures published by the Scottish Government showed a 26% increase of crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, compared to 2023-24.
Nearly half of these incidents involved ex-partners, highlighting the ongoing risk and need for support services. Females aged 31-35 had the highest rate of Domestic Abuse incidents recorded by the police per 10,000 population. These statistics underscore the urgent need for our services, as many women and children face the threat of violence daily. Our refuge provides a vital lifeline for those seeking safety and support.
Take the Scottish Women’s Aid quiz by clicking the button below. Domestic abuse can be difficult to identify.
Scottish Women’s Aid provides some great informative videos on their YouTube channel.
Coercive control is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner or ex-partner. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disabled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.
Often when people think of domestic abuse they think only of physical violence, but domestic abuse is so much more than that and takes many forms – some of which are less visible. For many women who live with domestic abuse there will be no scars, bruises or broken bones, but for some it can take their life. No form of abuse is more serious than any other.
MDWA is a grassroots, community-driven support charity and network for women and children at risk of domestic abuse.
MDWA is affiliated with Scottish Women’s Aid.
Our website features a “Safe Exit” button which is always displayed down the right-hand side of the website on any device which looks like the following:
