More than 30 high harm and serial domestic abusers were sentenced to almost 230 years in prison during 2025 following intensive investigations by Police Scotland.
A total of 32 offenders received combined sentences of more than 228 years after being convicted of 240 offences against women and children, involving 110 victims across Scotland.
The convictions followed proactive work by Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Task Force, with offences including rape, sexual assault, stalking, permanent disfigurement, danger to life, threats against pets and multiple breaches under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act.
One offender alone received a sentence of 17 years.
New figures also highlight the scale of domestic abuse across the country, with Police Scotland officers responding to a domestic abuse related call every eight minutes.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, more than 66,000 domestic abuse incidents were reported, with 40.3 per cent resulting in a crime being recorded.
Police Scotland’s latest performance report shows domestic abuse crimes increased by 10 per cent over the past year, while detection rates rose by nearly eight per cent, indicating stronger investigative outcomes.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said officers remain relentless in tackling abuse.
“Our officers are determined to ensure 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 perpetrators will be held accountable.”
He said policing alone cannot solve the issue but stressed the importance of enforcement alongside prevention.
“We tackle violence against women and girls every day of the year, preventing harm and bringing offenders to justice.
“We work with partners to address the societal issues at the root of gender based violence, so that we can stop abusive behaviour before it begins.”
Police Scotland said supporting victims remains central to its approach.
“No one should have to experience abuse,” Johnson said.
“We are committed to supporting all victim survivors, protecting them, and investigating every report of domestic abuse so they can come forward with confidence.
“Help is available, and you do not have to face this alone.”
As the year closes and policing priorities turn towards 2026, Police Scotland said its message to offenders is unchanged.
“If you continue to abuse and exhibit abusive behaviour, you will be caught and anyone who continues to abuse will face the full force of the law.”
Year round enforcement is supported by focused initiatives such as 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to eliminate gender based violence held annually from 25 November to 10 December.
During that period in 2025 alone, Police Scotland arrested 500 domestic abuse perpetrators and charged more than 380, offering a snapshot of the volume of offending being addressed throughout the year.
Police Scotland continues to urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help and report concerns, with specialist support available across Scotland.
