STRATHCLYDE Police were praised today for their efforts to tackle domestic abuse.
STRATHCLYDE Police were praised today for their efforts to tackle domestic abuse.
A report by the Police Inspectorate highlights the progress being made after it introduced bail checks on high-risk offenders, performance monitoring and the appointment of domestic abuse policy officers at their HQ in Glasgow.
The "good practice" is listed among the recommendations for other forces to follow made by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins.
Mr Tomkins also wants a national database of perpetrators and victims, and all forces to work together to develop a common approach to training and support for officers.
And all forces must adopt a system of risk assessment and management as soon as possible.
Mr Tomkins said: "Domestic abuse has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any crime, even though only a proportion of incidents are reported to police.
"Every call represents an opportunity to identify a pattern of abuse and a chance to intervene to prevent further or escalating acts of violence.
"That's why effective record-keeping and ease of access to information are key to an effective response to domestic abuse.
"We believe a national database of victims and offenders would help the police to better respond to potential domestic abuse cases."
Mr Tomkins' comments come against a backdrop of an increase in reported cases .
Strathclyde Police's annual report recorded 24,197 incidents last year - an increase of almost 400 on the previous figure.
On one day alone last November, when Scotland were beaten by Italy in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, 126 cases were reported - 37% above average.
Experts believe it is the most under-reported crime and most cases don't come to court.
However, in 2007-08, the specialist Glasgow Domestic Abuse Court dealt with 800 cases.
It has been so successful Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill doubled its funding to £1.2million in a move which is expected to allow it do deal with an additional 500 cases. The changes are expected to come into effect in the autumn.
When he announced the funding boost, Mr MacAskill said: "Violence against women must not be tolerated in any form.
"We know the effects of domestic abuse can be devastating, including on children and young people, and we are determined to tackle it, wherever and whenever it occurs."
