In my view

DR CHRISTINE GOODALL is director of Medics Against Violence, which provides free training to dentists, vets, hairdressers, fire-fighters and other professionals who might come into contact with domestic abuse victims.

She said: “The figures show that some of the highest levels of reporting to the police come from very deprived areas of Scotland.

“Although this points to a need to tackle inequality more widely, we need to be cautious about associating domestic abuse solely with deprivation.

“Domestic abuse is a gender-based issue affecting more women than men and it can affect anyone regardless of social class, age, ethnicity or religion.

“It is also clear from the statistics that many affluent areas of Scotland are not immune from this issue and conversely that some more deprived areas show lower levels of reporting.

“We know that not everyone affected by domestic abuse will seek support from the police so it is inevitable the recorded crime statistics seriously underestimate the scale of an issue that affects one in four women in Scotland in their lifetime.” A SCHEME which allows people to ask the police if their partner has a history of domestic abuse will be rolled out across Scotland this week.

The initiative, known as Clare’s Law, has already been trialled in Ayrshire and Aberdeen but will be available nationwide from Thursday.

The disclosure programme was first introduced south of the Border after mum-of-one Clare Wood, 36, was brutally raped, strangled and set on fire by ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009.

They met online and she was unaware of his history of violence against women.

The Scottish trial of Clare’s Law got under way in November last year with Police Scotland receiving 86 requests for information and 35 of them resulting in a disclosure being made.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick last night welcomed the move, revealing that up to a quarter of police time is currently spent responding to domestic incidents.

She said: “When people form new relationships, there can be concerns the new partner may have an abusive past.

“This scheme gives people the opportunity to ask that question.

“During the pilot of the scheme, people who have received disclosures have been extremely positive about their experience.

“Make no mistake, it is difficult news to hear but it allows them to make an informed choice, to protect themselves and by extension their families and children from harm. In some cases, it can break that cycle of violence.

“A key element of the disclosure process has been ensuring appropriate support is available to people who may need it. We want to stop domestic abuse in all its forms and this scheme takes us closer to that aim.”

Anyone concerned that their partner may have an abusive past can contact the police and request information on their background if they suspect them of a history of domestic abuse or violence.

A committee involving police and other public bodies then decides whether disclosure is “lawful, necessary and proportionate” to protect the individual from their partner.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Domestic abuse is an appalling crime and I am delighted that, as a result of the national roll-out of the scheme, people across Scotland who suspect their partner may have a violent past will have the right to ask for information.

“The results of the pilot clearly show that the scheme works well and is a good fit for Scotland’s unique justice system.

“Put simply – it can save lives and sends a clear message that abusers can no longer hide.”