Reports of domestic abuse in Fife have more than doubled over the last decade, according to figures released by the Scottish Government.
Police recorded 4,800 incidents last year compared to 2,100 in 2003-04. The rise was far steeper than the national increase, with cases Scotland-wide having risen from 41,235 to 60,080.
In around three-quarters of the cases it was not the first time the victim had gone to the police to report an assault.
Police Scotland insisted it had dedicated significant resources to tackling domestic abuse and claimed the increase was in part down to greater confidence among victims in going to the police.
Chief Superintendent Bob Hamilton said: “We recognise the harrowing impact domestic abuse has on victims, their families and the wider community.
“In the last few years we have dedicated significant resources towards tackling domestic abuse as well as supporting victims, we have placed a much greater emphasis on targeting repeat and serial offenders.
“The figures have increased and this is in part, we believe, due to increased levels of confidence that members of the public who experienced abuse of this nature have in coming forward and reporting to the police.
“It’s something we have worked hard to foster and would continue to encourage.
“The Police Scotland position is clear we will continue to be tough and target the perpetrators of domestic abuse,” he added.
“It has no place in a modern Scotland. Our ultimate goal is to impact upon the levels of domestic abuse we have seen in recent years and to achieve a positive outcome for victims and their families.”