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Who are Abusers?

There is no typical abuser. They are not easy to spot in public they may appear friendly and loving, often only abusing behind closed doors.

Some try to hide what they are doing by causing injuries which can be concealed or do not need a doctor.

Abuse is not an accident. It doesn't happen because someone was stressed out, drinking or on drugs, it is an intentional act which one person uses in a relationship to control the other.

Being abusive is a learned behaviour which can be unlearned. It is unlikely an abuser will change by sheer willpower alone. Intervention is often needed.

Group work specifically designed for abusers is the most widely accepted form of re-education. It allows individuals to practice expressing and sharing their emotions with others in a non-threatening environment. When abusers admit their abuse before a group of peers, they take the first steps in becoming accountable for their behaviour.

Abuse is not an accident. Nor does it happen because someone was stressed out, drinking or on drugs.

Abuse is an intentional act that one person uses in a relationship to control the other.

Are you an abuser?

If you are an abuser, you should be aware that Central Scotland Police will take action against you.

If you commit a criminal offence, even if a victim of domestic abuse does not request any further action be taken by the police you can still be arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Following your arrest you will held in police custody to appear at your local sheriff court on the next legal day. You may be remanded in custody or bail conditions may be set to restrict your activity. For example, you may be bailed on condition that you do not return to the home of your victim or enter certain areas.

Officers will gather evidence at the scene of the crime, take statements from witnesses, photograph injuries, obtain forensic evidence and use CCTV footage. Domestic abuse is taken seriously by the police and officers are trained to conduct a thorough and professional enquiry each time an incident is reported.

Central Scotland Police will do everything in their power to build the best possible case against you to present to the court.

If you are an abuser or have abused in the past and recognise that you need help in order to change your behaviour, services are available.

There are some services which are available and may be able to assist you.

Respect

National Domestic Abuse Helpline