To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the most recent recorded crime in Scotland statistics, which showed a 22 per cent rise in crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 in a single year. (S6O-03710)

Domestic abuse is abhorrent. Although any case is unacceptable, the figures demonstrate that Police Scotland has been able to utilise the new domestic abuse offence powers proactively. I hope that that will further increase public confidence in reporting incidents of domestic abuse. I encourage anyone who is affected, whether they be a victim or a witness, to contact the police.

We are committed to working with a range of partners in the statutory and third sectors to tackle domestic abuse, bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that victims receive the support that they need. Our equally safe strategy, which is backed by annual funding of £19 million, aims to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls and focuses on early intervention, prevention and support.

Domestic abuse is an appalling crime that ruins so many lives in Scotland. The figures are shocking. Some 95 per cent of such crimes involve female victims. Current Scottish National Party Government policies are not protecting women sufficiently. I recently proposed the creation of a new violence against women unit in Police Scotland. Will the Government consider that proposal?

I am pleased to hear that Ms Gosal is meeting the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs next week. I am sure that the cabinet secretary would be happy to consider all proposals to make the lives of domestic abuse victims easier.

It is important to highlight the women whose courage has brought into the open the misogyny and sexism that underpin domestic violence against women and girls and still exist in society today. With that in mind, what can the Government and the Parliament do to change such societal attitudes?

The member raises a valid point. Those who perpetrate violence and abuse—the majority of whom are men—must change their actions and behaviour. It is only through fundamental societal change that women can be protected. We must root out and tackle the toxic masculinity and gender inequality that lead to violence, harassment, misogyny and abuse against women. We should stand against it and call it out whenever we see it.

As we announced in our programme for government, we will introduce a bill to create a new offence of misogynistic conduct. The bill will be informed by the report of the working group on misogyny and criminal justice and the subsequent consultation on draft legislative provisions to implement the report’s recommendations.