Interventions for Intrafamilial Physical Abuse and Violence Against Children

Rising concern in Scotland: In 2024 - 25, Police Scotland recorded 776 cases of cruelty to or maltreatment of children, a 26% increase on the previous year and 8% higher than in 2015- 16, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based responses to physical abuse. The most common referral leading to an Inter-agency Referral Discussion (IRD) in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is intrafamilial physical assault, with many children remaining at home with the alleged perpetrator if it is felt to be the most proportionate response and in the child’s interests.