Police Scotland respond to domestic abuse report every eight minutes
Over 46,000 domestic incidents were reported from April to December last year
Police Scotland is responding to a report of domestic abuse around every eight minutes, new figures have shown.
Nearly 65,000 calls are attended each year, with the most serious crimes investigated by the domestic abuse taskforce, according to the force.
From April to December 2023, over 46,000 domestic incidents were reported - an increase of 2% compared to the same period in 2022.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, head of public protection at Police Scotland said: "Our domestic abuse taskforce takes on the most complex, challenging and sensitive inquiries often involving multiple victims who have suffered years of abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional and financial.
"We understand how difficult it can be for people to report abuse, to revisit a painful past.
âIt is really important people understand that they are not alone, help is available.
"Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland.
âEvery officer is trained to deal with domestic incidents and to identify the full range of abuse that offenders use to control, coerce and instil fear in victims.
"If you are a victim of domestic abuse or are concerned that someone you know is a victim, then please report to Police Scotland or through one of our partner agencies.
âWe will take action and we will investigate."
Since April 1 last year, some 43 offenders have been sentenced to 272 years in prison after being convicted of a total of 364 domestic abuse offences against 139 victims, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial harm.