DOMESTIC violence is a serious issue and one we focus all our collective efforts on in a partnership way to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.

The vast majority of reported domestic abuse crimes are perpetrated by males on females. Let me be clear, we will never tolerate any violence or abuse against women and girls in any form and will deal with all instances of domestic abuse very seriously.

In East Lothian, we work closely with our partners to reduce the harm it causes, protect our communities and identify perpetrators. 

In the longer term, we work towards preventing all forms of abuse and towards a change in culture, encouraging our communities to play an active role in challenging abusive behaviours. 

This month sees the start of the 16 days of action to tackle violence against women and girls and is one initiative I have been very supportive in my three years here as Local Area Commander. 16 Days of Action this year is aimed at businesses to support them to take action against domestic abuse and violence. Employers have a legal obligation to assess the risk and support the health, safety and wellness of their employees.

Domestic abuse crimes are on the rise and in East Lothian for the first six months of this year we have seen a 12.3 per cent rise based on the five-year average.

It is clear that domestic abuse is underreported and there are many victims who have not yet come forward.

We take a collaborative approach to giving victims the confidence to report domestic abuse and this campaign helps us raise awareness.

Our objective is to support a cultural change within society and provide strong, consistent and vocal support for the safety of women and girls, whether they report crimes against them or not.

This year, we have a calendar of events which includes pop-up events in supermarkets, days of action against perpetrators of domestic abuse where we enforce warrants and check they are adhering to bail conditions, and visits to business premises to remind them of their obligations.

We will also be at the farmers’ market along with partners from Women’s Aid, The Public Protection Unit, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service, raising awareness of domestic abuse and giving people the confidence to report it.

Did you know that if you have a new partner and are concerned, you have the right to ask the police about their background to find out if they have been in an abusive relationship in the past?

Also, if you are concerned that a friend or family member may be at risk of domestic abuse, you too can ask the police about this and we can then tell that person if their new partner has been in an abusive relationship previously.

Where we have information a person may be at risk, we have the power to tell them, even if they didn’t ask for this.

This process, known as DSDAS, allows people to make the choice on whether to remain in the relationship or not. Police and our partners can then help and support them. Check our website for more details.

Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. Please come along to our events and speak to those present, help us raise the issue of domestic abuse and give people the confidence to report it.