Number of domestic abuse calls decreases

The number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police over the festive period fell by more than 6 per cent.

Accordingtofiguresfrom Police Scotland, there were 4,799 incidents recorded between 10 December and 7 January, compared with 5,111 the previous year.

However, reports of incidents remain higher over the festive season than at other times of the year.

Assistant Chief Constable (Crime and Public Protection) Gillian Macdonald said: “Reports of domestic abuse over the Christmas and New Year period reduced by 6.1 per cent which equates to over 300 fewer calls to police.

“On New Year’s Day alone, traditionally a day of the most heightened risk, the number of incidents reported reduced from 393 to 366.

“This means that there were nearly 30 fewer calls on that one day reporting incidents of violence and abuse to the police.”

She added: “The drop represents a welcome reduction, but we will never be complacent about the unacceptable levels of abuse which continue to occur across all of Scotland’s communities.”

Police Scotland officers attend nearly 60,000 reports of domestic abuse every year.