Domestic abuse on the rise with one case every ten minutes

THE number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police in Scotland rose during January - with an average of one incident every ten minutes.

Figures from Scotland's Violence Reduction Unit showed 5,029 incidents were reported in January, a rise from 4,783 in December.

Chief inspector Graham Goulden, who leads the Anti Violence Campaign on behalf of the Violence Reduction Unit, said the figures suggested more people were reporting incidents of domestic abuse, but that the statistics were "worrying".

He said: "When we released the December figures, I said they were a badge of shame for Scotland. The fact the figures for January are higher, and that a comparison with the previous year shows a rise of 1,870 incidents, reinforces that.

"However, we should draw confidence from the fact these stats are based on reported crime - increasing numbers of people are coming forward to report, they are less tolerant of domestic abuse, have increased confidence that help is available and now know they don't have to put up with this intolerable behaviour."

Jo Ozga, policy worker for Scottish Women's Aid, said domestic violence continued to be one of the most under-reported crimes, but bringing abuse to the police's attention was becoming more common. She said: "While it is positive that more women are coming forward and feel confident that the police will respond appropriately we are concerned that once women have done that they get the help and support they need.

"Domestic abuse affects women of all ages, from any social class, ethnic group or religious background, women with disabilities and women with and without children - support services should be available to meet all of their needs."

Callum Hendry, co-ordinator of the White Ribbon Scotland campaign, said: "With an incident reported every ten minutes it is sad to see that domestic abuse is such a normal part of everyday life across Scotland. To tackle such a deeply rooted problem will require a shift in attitudes across our society.

"The White Ribbon campaign works to persuade men that we have a role to play in tackling abuse - and through speaking out to our male friends and colleagues we can help to undermine the attitudes that make domestic abuse an accepted part of life for so many."

Communities minister Alex Neil said: "The effects of domestic abuse can be devastating and we are doing everything we can to tackle it.There is a wide range of help and support out there for victims and we would encourage all those suffering from domestic abuse to continue to have the bravery to come forward."

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray described the figures as "a blight on Scottish society" and said action must be taken to address a "growing problem".

He added: "Scotland needs to send out a much stronger message to those who commit domestic violence that it will never, ever, be tolerated while ensuring that we provide the right help and support to victims of these crimes."