Cases of domestic abuse recorded by the police rose 8% last year, it was revealed yesterday.
Police forces across Scotland recorded 53,681 cases in 2008-09 – but the true extent of the problem is expected to be higher because many victims do not come forward.
Officials believe the increase is due to more people coming forward due to publicity campaigns.
Statistics published by the Scottish Government also show that cases of abuse of men by women has doubled in since the turn of century.
In 2000-01 cases of a man being abused by a women accounted for 8% of the total. By last year this had risen to 14% – 7,336 cases.
The police recorded over 4,000 more cases of domestic abuse last year than in 2007-08, and just over 10,000 more than in 2004-05. Women being abused by a man accounted for 84% of cases last year.
Rates of domestic abuse in the north and north-east are below the national average of 1,039 per 100,000 population. The rate in the Northern Constabulary area was 403 and in Grampian 640. Tayside was just below the national rate at 1,019.
Some victims do not approach the police because they are afraid, or even stopped by their abuser.
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Robert Brown said alcohol was to blame in the majority of incidents.
“These figures highlight that more than half of domestic abuse incidents come from repeat offenders,” he said. “The most common time for domestic abuse to occur is at the weekend.”
Tory community safety spokesman John Lamont said the number of cases where the victim had previously been subjected to domestic abuse had risen by 39%. “Those who carry out domestic violence are not being deterred,” he said.
Labour deputy leader Johann Lamont said SNP plans to do away with six-month prison sentences could make the situation worse.
Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “It is encouraging that police forces are cracking down on these despicable crimes.
“We hope that the continued rise in incidents being reported shows that more people are now coming forward.”
Scottish Women’s Aid said an analysis of the single outcome agreements between local authorities and the government raised questions about the commitment of councils to treat domestic abuse as a priority. It said the lack of commitment, combined with the removal of ring-fenced funding and the increased financial pressures faced by councils, puts domestic abuse services under serious threat.
Lily Greenan, of SWA, said: “It’s essential that we see a commitment from national and local government to long-term sustainable funding to make sure that women and children fleeing domestic abuse are able to come forward safe in the knowledge they will be supported.”