VIOLENT crime in Scotland, such as serious assault and attempted murder, has dropped by more than one-third in 10 years, according to new analysis. A study of incidents recorded by police shows a 35% fall 2008-09 and 2017-18.
It found that 89% of the total drop in violence has been due to fewer cases in the west of Scotland – particularly in and around Glasgow.
Serious assaults are also now less likely to involve a weapon, despite still accounting for more than half the cases, while the average age of victims is 31 compared to 27 a decade ago.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomed the figures, saying: “This research highlights the positive impact of our investment in early intervention in reducing violent crime and saving lives, particularly among young men in the west of Scotland who, historically, have been at the highest risk of falling victim to violence. Our public health approach to reducing violence has garnered interest from London and elsewhere in the UK, as well as from the World Economic Forum.”
The report found most serious assaults still involved a male victim (80%), although these cases fell 41%, while there was little change in the number of female victims.
Most male victims were attacked by an acquaintance (55%), while in 23% of cases it was a stranger. Just over half of female victims (52%) were found to have been assaulted by a partner, former partner or relative.
Yousaf added: “Despite this progress, we are working closely with police and others to tackle violence wherever it persists, and that includes keeping women and girls equally safe. We have strengthened the law, giving police, prosecutors and the courts greater powers to tackle various forms of domestic abuse while investing in preventative projects, promote positive relationships among young people.”
Almost two-thirds of serious assaults in 2017-18 involved alcohol. Yousaf said: “Having introduced a minimum unit price for alcohol last year, the Scottish Government is continuing to develop innovative solutions to public health challenges.
“There is absolutely no room for complacency and we continue to invest in Police Scotland, the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and other prevention initiatives. At the same time, it is also clear that all of us in society – families, friends, educators and employers – have a role to play in eradicating violence in all its forms.”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “The report demonstrates the significant progress that has been made to reduce violence in Scotland, particularly the west of Scotland.
“It is to be welcomed that the report states fewer people are carrying weapons However, there is still much work to do to try to influence the behaviours of those who are still intent on carrying knives.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel