The extent of domestic abuse in Perth and Kinross has been laid bare in a new report.
Figures released by the Scottish Government show the number of recorded incidents is up 36%.
Reports of domestic abuse in the region reached 1,236 in 2012/13 a 10-year high. In 2003/04 the figure stood at 906 recorded incidents. Last year 1,162 reports were made.
Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser said the increase is a concern. “Police Scotland has placed emphasis on reducing domestic abuse within Scotland yet, despite this, it is on the rise in my region and within Scotland as a whole,” he told The Courier.
“Many victims are repeat domestic abuse sufferers and we must try to understand why so many people are in violent relationships.
“If someone is being physically abused within the walls of their own home, it is down to us as a society to provide help and support to ensure it stops.
“Domestic abuse blights our society and victims must be confident in the ability of the police to deal with these crimes.”
Perthshire Women’s Aid provides vital support to victims of domestic abuse. Judy Murphy, who works at the centre in Perth’s York Place, is doubtful the rise in reported incidents reflects an increase in abuse.
She said: “I don’t think domestic abuse is increasing, I think there are more women coming forward.
“Domestic abuse is endemic in Scotland and rife here in Perthshire. Women in our rural communities are just as likely to be affected as those residing here in Perth.
“The recorded statistics issued in the last couple of days by the police constitute the tip of the iceberg as, in our experience, the vast majority of domestic abuse incidents are not reported to the police.
“Contrary to popular belief, domestic abuse is not caused by alcohol, drugs, stress or the recession but by the need for power and control on the part of the perpetrator.”
Ms Murphy also called for more cash to be set aside to assist Perthshire Women’s Aid. She said: “Every year at Perth Women’s Aid we see an increase in the numbers of women, children and young people using our services. This situation is further compounded by our severe shortage of refuge accommodation.
“At present we only have seven refuges with space for only seven women at any given time. This falls far behind refuge provision in other Scottish localities with a similar size of population.”
Those who are seeking support from Perthshire Women’s Aid can telephone 01738 639043.