Police today (Monday, 8 December) begin a Christmas crackdown on domestic abuse.

The six week seasonal blitz aims to reduce levels of domestic abuse across Scotland.

Officers will tackle the problem through robust enforcement activities including rapid responses to incidents of domestic abuse, detention of offenders in custody prior to court appearance and strict enforcement of bail conditions through proactive visits to households from which suspected offenders are banned.

The campaign will also focus on partnership working and information sharing to effect early intervention, thus ensuring the long term safety of those at risk of domestic abuse.

Anti-Violence Co-ordinator Chief Inspector Cameron Cavin, said:

“Domestic abuse is Scotland’s national shame, a shame which arguably lies at the core of a culture within which violence is often, unfortunately, seen by many as a behavioural norm.

“The damage domestic abuse causes to a victim, be it physical or emotional, can be irreparable. The need to dominate or control a partner is rarely a one-off event and we know victims will often suffer repeat attacks before seeking help.

“This kind of abuse can also impact on other family members, in particular children, and whilst the safety of any individual living in or frequenting a household in which domestic abuse is occurring is of critical concern, such exposure also renders individuals within their crucial early years development vulnerable to accepting such behaviour as normal and carrying these values into later life.”

Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said:

“Violence against women and domestic abuse continue to devastate the lives of too many people in Scotland and must not be tolerated in any form.

“We know the effects of domestic abuse can be devastating, including on children and young people, and the Scottish Government is determined to tackle it, wherever and whenever it occurs.

“Over the next three years we are devoting considerable resources to the issue of violence against women. With funding of nearly £44 million we are supporting the work of Scottish Women's Aid, the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, Rape Crisis Scotland and the network of local rape crisis centres.