Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents perpetrated (in the majority of cases) by a partner or ex-partner. It may also be perpetrated by a close family member or carer. Domestic abuse covers a wide variety of behaviour, including controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour. It may include physical and sexual violence, psychological abuse, emotional harm, neglect, discriminatory abuse, and financial harm - or a combination of all of these. The resources in this section relate to the overlap between domestic abuse and Adult Support and Protection in Scotland.

What is domestic abuse? (Easy Read)

This downloadable six-page leaflet is in Easy Read format and sets out what domestic abuse is. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. The leaflet also sets out many different ways in which people can get help around domestic abuse.

Image from Easy Read leaflet

ASPire 2023: Domestic abuse - overlaps and gaps (input 1) and Trauma-informed approach to Adult Support and Protection (input 2) (webinar)

This webinar looks at two specific areas. For the first two sections, Anne Hayne considers the overlaps and gaps in Adult Support and Protection and domestic abuse provision. In the final section, Frances Toland shares Renfrewshire's trauma-informed approach to ASP. There is also an accompanying briefing about the Renfrewshire approach.

Title screen for input 1 of video

Forced Marriage Statutory Guidance

The Scottish Government recognises forced marriage to be a form of gender-based violence and, where children are victims of forced marriage, child abuse. It may be associated with other forms of domestic abuse and “honour based” abuse. Forced marriage can impact both men and women, however most cases typically involve younger women and girls between the ages
of 15 and under and 30. This guidance outlines the duties of statutory, public and third sector bodies involved in responding to forced marriage.

Image of two hands joined by a chain

Domestic abuse and trauma-informed practice: Companion document

This document supports all professionals working with women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse, and/or perpetrators. It aims to strengthen awareness and understanding about trauma-informed and domestic abuse-informed practice. Each section provides guidance for how professionals supporting women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse and/or perpetrators can do so in a trauma-informed way that recognises the nature, prevalence and impact of domestic abuse.

Cover of companion document

Learning from Learning Reviews: Ms A (Aberdeen)

This one-page briefing highlights the main learning points from the case of Ms A., an 87 year-old woman. Concerns in this case related to domestic abuse, coercive control, professional curiosity, and mental capacity. The briefing can be used by other areas to reflect on their own practice.

Ms A Learning Review

The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!