DOMESTIC abuse within Glasgow's ethnic community will be the focus of a major conference next month.

DOMESTIC abuse within Glasgow's ethnic community will be the focus of a major conference next month.

Officers in the city's South Side have been involved in a scheme aimed at encouraging Muslim victims to speak out.

Research shows that even when Muslim victims report an incident of domestic abuse they will be reluctant to pursue the complaint.

In a bid to overcome this, officers have developed a working relationship with the Muslim Care Council Glasgow.

The partnership allows police to speak to Imams and Mosque leaders about domestic abuse and honour-based' violence.

A seminar focusing on the issue will be held at a police social club in Pollok Park next month. It will be attended by senior officers, Imams, Mosque leaders and other Muslim support groups.

Superintendent Kevin Duffy, Sub Divisional Officer of Glasgow South West, said: "Our work with the Muslim Care Council Glasgow has been invaluable.

"We are looking forward to working closely with local Mosque members over the coming months to highlight these issues."

The initiative comes as Strathclyde Police launched Third Party or Remote Reporting specifically for domestic abuse crime.

It will offer victims, witnesses and third parties the opportunity of reporting the crime without having to speak directly to a police officer.

Several reporting centres with specially trained staff have been set up and incidents can be reported in a private and secure environment.

Also there will soon be an option to report domestic abuse via an online form.