More than 19,500 people in Scotland have received disclosures about a partner’s abusive history since the launch of a nationwide police scheme ten years ago.
Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) allows people to request information about a current or potential partner or the partner of someone they know if there are concerns about their behaviour.
Since its introduction on 1 October 2015, the scheme has received over 35,800 applications, with 55% resulting in a formal disclosure.
Detective Superintendent Adam Brown called the scheme “a vital preventative tool” in Scotland’s efforts to tackle domestic abuse.
“Before DSDAS, there was no formal way for someone to find out if a partner had a history of abuse,” he said.
“Now, individuals have the right to ask and the police have the right to tell.
“That knowledge can be life-changing.”
DSDAS operates through two pathways: ‘Right to Ask’ allows anyone to apply, including friends, neighbours or family members; ‘Power to Tell’ allows police and professionals such as social workers or doctors to make a disclosure if someone is believed to be at risk.
Police Scotland currently receives around 600 DSDAS applications each month, a figure that continues to grow.
Brown added:
“Domestic abuse is not just physical.
“It can include coercive control, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse.
“The impact can last a lifetime, for victims and for children.”
In 2023–24 alone, more than 63,500 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded across Scotland.
Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, was present at the launch of the scheme in 2015.
She said:
“DSDAS is an early intervention that helps people avoid the long-term trauma of domestic abuse.”
“While a disclosure can be shocking, it often becomes the moment someone realises the abuse isn’t their fault and that they’re not alone.”
Women’s support organisations across Scotland report an increase in service use since the scheme was introduced.
Rodgers urged anyone with concerns to apply:
“You don’t need to do it alone.
“Support is available from partner organisations like ours, even if it’s not safe to apply from home.”
DSDAS application forms can be submitted online, via 101, or in person at any police station.
