Domestic violence rates have fallen in Moray since last year – but politicians have said work remains to be done.
Figures were yesterday unveiled which detailed a decline from 749 reported cases of domestic abuse during 2014/15 to 730 during 2015/16.
While the statistics were cautiously welcomed, they have prompted calls for more help to be offered to victims of domestic abuse.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, argued that the trend indicated a “move in the right direction” during the last year.
But the Labour politician said a “zero tolerance” approach to the crime was necessary to drive instances of domestic abuse further down, and called for women’s aids groups to receive greater government funding.
She added: “We need to do more to support victims and their families.
“Women’s Aid are key in a supporting role, but these agencies are having to swim against the tide as they face funding cuts and increased demand.
“We really need to remember that all forms of domestic abuse are totally unacceptable, and need to do much more to make a real positive impact on these figures.
“We need zero tolerance on this issue”
Mrs Grant had previously suggested that a special domestic abuse court should be established in Elgin – whereby the town’s court would reserve certain days exclusively for crimes of that nature.
She fears that the prospect of appearing in open court alongside other parties deters women from reporting domestic abuse.
Last night, Mrs Grant said: “If we had these specially convened courts, then we would have all the right professionals there to support victims.
“This type of initiative has been piloted and found to work around the central belt.”
Last month, north-east police officers clamped down on domestic abuse offenders during a blitz on properties.
The day of action came as part of Operation Pine, and led to the arrest of three Elgin men.
Cases of domestic abuse have decreased across Scotland by 3% since 2014-15, from 59,882 to 58,104.
