Our badge of shame: 4,783 incidents of domestic violence in one month

POLICE were called to more than 4,000 incidents of domestic violence during the first half of the festive period, new figures have revealed.

The national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) believes it is "gaining public confidence" and the rise in numbers means more victims and witnesses are reporting abuse.

There were 8,000 incidents in December and January, 2010/11. With 4,783 incidents last month alone, this year's total is expected to top that, particularly as alcohol-related violence fuels the biggest single spike in incidents, on 1 January.

Both police and Scottish Women's Aid are urging people to take a stand against domestic violence in their communities, describing it as a "badge of shame" for Scotland.

Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, who is heading the VRU's anti-violence campaign, said: "We know that Christmas is a peak period for domestic abuse, but these figures are a disgrace, and a badge of shame for Scotland. The tragic thing is we are only half way through the campaign."

He added: "Some people will see this as a potential increase but, when dealing with domestic violence, an increase in numbers is in some respects a good thing as it means we are gaining public confidence."

Of the 4,783 incidents, more than 2,500 took place in Strathclyde. However, Mr Goulden denied the problem was greater there than elsewhere.

"It's not a west coast problem," he said. "It permeates through all society in Scotland."

The VRU ran an advent calendar-styled campaign in the run-up to Christmas, and is now urging the country to "make a New Year's resolution to end domestic abuse."

Scottish Women's Aid has also launched a campaign calling for 2011 to be the year domestic abuse is stamped out, and they are urging ordinary members of the public to make it happen.

Lily Greenan, manager of Scottish Women's Aid, said: "Our campaign this year is to stop domestic violence by everyone doing just one thing.

"That could be challenging some kinds of attitudes to women in male peer groups, or finding out if your work or union has a domestic abuse policy. Most importantly, if you hear something going on in the house next to you, pick up the phone and call the cops.

"It can be unnerving for people to take that action, we understand that, but it puts the message out that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable."

John Lamont, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: "We need to send out a much stronger message to those who commit domestic violence that it will not be tolerated.

"Yet the SNP government, backed by the Lib Dems, has scrapped short sentences - meaning in some cases there is no deterrent for the perpetrator and no respite for their victims."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The effects of domestic abuse can be devastating. While sentencing is a matter for individual judges and sheriffs, we must also ensure that they have the full range of powers available to them when considering the case before them.

"That is one reason why last year we fast-tracked a new offence with a maximum penalty of five years in prison."IN NUMBERS

154 incidents of domestic violence took place every day in Scotland, last month.

5 years in prison is the new maximum penalty for perpetrators of domestic violence.

8,000 acts of domestic violence were committed in December and January, during the 2010/11 festive period.

1 January is traditionally the day when most incidents occur.