Scottish police forces must establish a national database of domestic abuse victims and their attackers as a matter of urgency, according to a new report published yesterday.
The measure, recommended by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), is one of several aimed at helping officers improve the way they investigate and solve crimes.
At least one in five women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
Some 91% of victims are female and 91% of perpetrators are men.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins said: “We believe a national database would help police to better respond to potential domestic abuse cases.
“Domestic abuse has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any crime, even though only a proportion of incidents are reported.
“Every call represents an opportunity to identify a pattern of abuse and an opportunity to intervene to prevent further or escalating acts of violence in the future.
“That's why effective record-keeping and ease of access to information are key to an effective response to domestic abuse.”
The report also recommends that all eight forces work together, with the Scottish Police Services Authority where appropriate, to develop a common approach to training and support for officers.
All forces are being urged to adopt a model of victim risk assessment and risk management as soon as possible, while working towards implementing a single core model across Scotland. Mr Tomkins said the domestic abuse officer role varied between forces and he would like to see all eight review posts to ensure consistency.
“I hope these recommendations can help our police forces to respond more effectively and consistently to potential incidents of domestic abuse, and ultimately help make sure that fewer Scots end up suffering this crime,” he added.
Domestic abuse is part of a range of behaviours constituting male abuse of power and is linked to other forms of violence such as rape and child abuse.
It occurs in all social groups and is likely to escalate in frequency and intensity over time and may increase at specific points in a woman's life, such as during pregnancy.
It is often witnessed by children who may themselves experience mental, physical and sexual abuse.
The Scottish Government is funding a £10million refuge development programme to improve and increase the refuge places available to women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.