Problems at home

Police Scotland defines domestic abuse as:

"Any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship. The relationship will be between partners (married, cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse can be committed in the home or elsewhere including online"

The definition of domestic abuse in Scotland differs from the definition of domestic violence in England and Wales which includes wider familial abuse e.g. from parents or children etc.

It is acknowledged that domestic abuse as a form of gender-based violence is predominately perpetrated by men against women. This definition also acknowledges and includes abuse of male victims by female perpetrators and includes abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI ) people within relationships.

This definition of domestic abuse encompasses the entire spectrum of behaviour by perpetrators where this amounts to criminal conduct. This includes cases which involve isolated incidents as well as cases involving a course of conduct and includes both violent and non-violent abusive behaviour.

The law around domestic abuse was strengthened in 2019 by creating a specific offence of domestic abuse. It is recognised that domestic abuse consists of a wide range of abusive behaviours that undermine the victim and restrict their freedoms and can be more than physical or sexual harm.

Below are some examples of the types of behaviour that fall within the definition of domestic abuse; for full details, please see the provisions of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 -

• behaviour that is violent, threatening or intimidating towards a partner or ex-partner or
• behaviour with the purpose of -
  • • making a partner or ex-partner dependent on or subordinate to the perpetrator;
    • isolating a partner or ex-partner from friends, relatives or other sources of support;
    • controlling, regulating or monitoring the day-to-day activities of a partner or ex-partner;
    • depriving or restricting a partner or ex-partner's freedom of action; or
    • frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing a partner or ex-partner.

This represents a significant change in the law and enables Police Scotland to focus on the full extent of abusive behaviours and the devastating impact such a course of conduct can have within a domestic relationship.

If you have been the victim or witness to domestic abuse, or have concerns regarding a victim of domestic abuse, you can report this to the police by:
 

• Dialling 999, if someone is in immediate danger.
• Attending your local police station
• Dialling 101.
• Use our online reporting form if you are unable to go to your local office (or prefer to remain anonymous). You can submit the form directly to us.

Police Scotland does not tolerate domestic abuse and reported incidents will be investigated thoroughly. For more information on domestic abuse victim support and advocacy services, please visit the Police Scotland website.

Immediate Risk/Danger

If there is an immediate risk/danger to you or someone else always phone 999. The police will ensure that any incident reported is met with an appropriate response by police officers. The initial priority for police officers attending a domestic abuse incident is the safety and well-being of the victim, their family and any other person present.

Report the matter to the Police

Domestic abuse is not just physical abuse, it includes verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse. It is often about power and control, with abusers seeking to use complex controlling behaviours to isolate you from those who can support you.

If you report abuse to the police it will be taken seriously, you will be listened to and believed. We will work alongside other service providers to support you throughout the criminal justice process and to keep you and your families safe. Perpetrators can be held to account for the harm they have caused if we work together.

There are several ways you can report this to the police:
 

• Dialling 999, if someone is in immediate danger.
• Attending your local police station
• Dialling 101.
• Use our online domestic abuse form. If you are unable to go to your local office (or prefer to remain anonymous) you can submit the form directly to us.

Seek support from Victim Support and Advocacy Services

If you feel you are unable to make a report to Police for whatever reason, you can seek support and advice from victim support and advocacy services. Victim support and advocacy services are focused on reducing risk to and improving the safety of victims of domestic abuse. For more information on domestic abuse victim support and advocacy services, please visit the Police Scotland website.

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS )

DSDAS gives those in a relationship, or those concerned for them (e.g. friends, relatives etc.), the 'Right to Ask' about an individual whom they suspect may have a history of violent or abusive behaviour towards a previous partner.

Often referred to as Clare's Law, DSDAS provides a formal process for sharing information with individuals at risk of domestic abuse due to the risk posed to them by a partner, as assessed by Police Scotland.

Police Scotland provides individuals at risk of domestic abuse the information needed to make an informed decision on whether to continue in the relationship.

For further information visit; Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland.

Police Scotland defines domestic abuse as:

"Any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a relationship. The relationship will be between partners (married, cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse can be committed in the home or elsewhere including online"

Immediate Risk/Danger

If there is an immediate risk/danger to you or someone else always phone 999. The police will ensure that any incident reported is met with an appropriate response by police officers. The initial priority for police officers attending a domestic abuse incident is the safety and well-being of the victim, their family and any other person present.

Report the matter to the Police

Domestic abuse is not just physical abuse, it includes verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse. It is often about power and control, with abusers seeking to use complex controlling behaviours to isolate you from those who can support you.

If you report abuse to the police it will be taken seriously, you will be listened to and believed. We will work alongside other service providers to support you throughout the criminal justice process and to keep you and your families safe. Perpetrators can be held to account for the harm they have caused if we work together.

There are several ways you can report this to the police:

• Dialling 999, if someone is in immediate danger.
• Attending your local police station.
• Dialling 101.
• Use our online domestic abuse form If you are unable to go to your local office (or prefer to remain anonymous) you can submit the form directly to us.

Seek support from Victim Support and Advocacy Services

If you feel you are unable to make a report to Police for whatever reason, you can seek support and advice from victim support and advocacy services. Victim support and advocacy services are focused on reducing risk to and improving the safety of victims of domestic abuse. For more information on domestic abuse victim support and advocacy services, please visit the Police Scotland website.

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS )

DSDAS gives those in a relationship, or those concerned for them (e.g. friends, relatives etc.), the 'Right to Ask' about an individual whom they suspect may have a history of violent or abusive behaviour towards a previous partner.

Often referred to as Clare's Law, DSDAS provides a formal process for sharing information with individuals at risk of domestic abuse due to the risk posed to them by a partner, as assessed by Police Scotland.

Police Scotland provides individuals at risk of domestic abuse the information needed to make an informed decision on whether to continue in the relationship.

For further information visit; Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland.

There is no official age when you can leave home. As long as you can show that you are living in accommodation that provides a safe environment (e.g. you are not at risk from drugs prostitution violence etc.) and you have a stable respectable method of supporting yourself financially, there are no legal barriers to leaving home at 16 years or older. If you are under 16, your parents or carers have a responsibility to keep you safe and they could possibly get a court order to make you return home or into care. If you are aged 17, then this is still possible, subject to all the surrounding circumstances.

If you just run away you could be in terrible danger. There could be consequences for young people who leave home and get into the wrong company. Making the wrong move could ruin your life.

Remember it is NOT what you judge to be a safe environment but what the people/authorities responsible for your welfare think is safe. You should try and do this with their blessing if possible.

If there is a serious underlying problem at home, talk to someone else, a teacher, a trusted adult relation or contact the charity Childline on 0800 1111 (or go to their website at www.childline.org.uk).

Do not act in haste, get as much advice and help as you can before you decide what to do.

Firstly you should speak to your parents or guardian. Whatever has happened, your parents or guardians may be more supportive than you think. Your parents were young once and although initially they might be shocked/angry, hopefully they would do their utmost to help you.

If you feel that you cannot speak to your parents then perhaps a trusted adult, a family friend or a relative will be able to help you.

If you do not feel confident confiding in them then perhaps try Childline 0800 1111. With Childline you are completely in control, you can say as much or as little as you want. However, the more you say, the more likely it is that you will get the best advice.

You can also contact the police. The police have specialist officers that are trained to deal with young people and their problems.

Whatever has happened to you, however serious your problem, it will have happened to someone else and you are not alone. You will feel better for sharing your problems with someone who is better equipped to advise you.

For more help and information please see the websites in related information. 

If your child is of compulsory school age and is registered at a school and fails to attend then you as the parent are guilty of an offence. It is the duty of the parent to ensure that your child receives an education.

If your child is refusing to go to school then the police do not have any powers to make them go. Speak to the school and they will be able to offer support and assistance.

The police do have the power to remove a child of compulsory school age from a public place and take them back to school or to some other places designated by the local authority (unless that child is home educated).