Domestic Abuse

The number of people left homeless as a result of domestic violence has almost tripled in Aberdeen over the past five years, according to new data. Figures from Aberdeen City Council revealed there were 258 incidents in which people fled their homes after violent or abusive disputes in 2017-18,

Wheatley Group staff are being given new training to help tackle domestic abuse. The housing, property management and care organisation has partnered with national charity SafeLives to train all of its staff in understanding abuse, spotting the signs that a customer could be a victim and knowing how

East Ayrshire Council has adopted the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand pledge supporting people experiencing domestic abuse. Developed in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, the pledge encourages housing organisations to make a commitment to

Caroline Gillespie reflects on the development of the law on domestic abuse as new legislation comes into force. The law on domestic abuse has changed in Scotland. The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 is now in force, creating a new crime of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards a part

New legislation that criminalises psychological domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour has come into force today. An awareness campaign to increase the public’s understanding of the legal nature of domestic abuse and to encourage victims of abuse to seek help has also been launc

CIH Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to introduce new legislation to allow social landlords to remove domestic abusers from a domestic setting in a protection situation. In its response to a government consultation on emergency barring orders (EBOs), CIH recommended that if someone is

West Dunbartonshire Council will host a series of summits as part of its drive to put a stop to domestic abuse. The events, which are taking place throughout this year, will focus on prevention and aim to change generational behaviour through education.

A Scottish council is the first in Europe to give its employees who have suffered domestic abuse "safe leave". South Ayrshire Council's policy will give employees up to 10 days' paid leave to allow them to seek help and support.

Social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has called for views on proposals which aim to ensure people at high risk of harm through domestic abuse are better protected and provided with quicker support. A public consultation is looking at the way that police, local authorities, health and so

The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand campaign to tackle domestic abuse has seen more than 300 housing organisations sign up in just eight months. CIH President Jim Strang announced the landmark in his speech at the organisation’s annual Presidential Dinner, which took place

Orkney Housing Association (OHAL) has given its support to the ‘Make a Stand’ campaign developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing. The commitment is further supported by the Orkney Domestic Abuse Forum.

All judges and sheriffs in Scotland will receive specific training on domestic abuse ahead of the introduction of legislation which creates a new offence criminalising physical and psychological abuse of partners or ex-partners. The Judicial Institute for Scotland, the body responsible for educating

An SNP MP has urged the UK Government to accept amendments to its Domestic Abuse Bill to tackle the increased risk of financial abuse under the current Universal Credit system. Dr Philippa Whitford MP, who has led the campaign to introduce separate payments as the default for Universal Credit, said

CIH President Jim Strang and chief executive of Scottish Women's Aid Marsha Scott examine the role of housing in helping to protect people experiencing domestic abuse.

Barrhead Housing Association has joined housing providers across the UK in signing up to a pledge to tackle domestic abuse. The governing Board committed to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s ‘Make a Stand’ campaign during its meeting last month.