Domestic abuse incidents in Ayrshire at highest level for a decade

Incidents of domestic abuse in Ayrshire are at their highest level for the past decade after rising by 7.5 per cent last year.

Figures published by the Scottish Government revealed that there were 4,698 domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police across the county in 2023-24.

Of those incidents, 43 per cent included “a crime or offence” - five per cent higher than the national average.

READ MORE: Eviction threat has left large cloud hanging over us, say chalet owners

READ MORE: Kilmarnock girl lands lead role of Annie in Pantheon Theatre production

It is the first increase since the Covid-19 pandemic that recorded domestic abuse incidents in Ayrshire have increased.

Of those incidents, 43 per cent of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in the region included the recording of at least one crime or offence.

Figures for all three Ayrshire council areas were above the national average of 116 incidents recorded per 10,000 population.

North Ayrshire saw the highest number of domestic abuse incidents in the county last year after 1,800 were recorded - an increase of 11.2 per cent.

It also had the highest rate of incidents recorded at 135 per 10,000 population.

In East Ayrshire there were 1,588 recorded incidents - the highest figure recorded over the last decade and an increase of 2.3 per cent.

The rate of domestic abuse incidents recorded in East Ayrshire was 132 per 10,000 population.

South Ayrshire saw 1,310 recorded incidents last year - also the highest figure recorded over the last decade and an increase of 11.5 per cent.

It also had the lowest rate of incidents in Ayrshire at 117 per 10,000 population.

Across Scotland, police recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24 - an increase of three per cent compared to the previous year and the first year to show an increase since 2020-21.

The type of crime or offence that was most frequently recorded across Scotland as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2023-24 was common assault, accounting for 31 per cent of all crimes and offences recorded.

Siobhian Brown MSP, Victims Minister, said: “Domestic abuse is abhorrent, and while there has been a small increase in the number of incidents reported to police, we know that it is this type of crime that can go unreported. The Scottish Government continues to encourage victims to contact Police Scotland and also seek help and support.

“We are continuing to make changes to the justice system to make it easier to report incidents and we have legislated to give police, prosecutors and the courts greater powers to tackle domestic abuse crimes.

“To support victims, we are providing more than £7.5million to Women’s Aid groups in 2024-25 through our Delivering Equally Safe Fund and £1.7 million to Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline which provides round the clock support - 0800 027 1234.”

Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter