Domestic abuse has increased in West Dunbartonshire, according to concerning new figures.
A new Police Scotland report reveals there were 508 recorded incidents at the end of the first quarter of the year which resulted in a crime report – compared to 497 in 2021.
The proportion of domestic incidents which resulted in a crime report was 50.8 percent – compared to 44.7 percent during the same period last year.
Meanwhile, 14 crimes were recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 – double last year’s figure of seven.
Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, said domestic abuse will be a key focus for the policing division in the months ahead.
She said: “This latest reporting period will help shape the local priorities for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire as we look to address what matters most to our communities.
“There is no doubt domestic abuse will remain a key focus for us as we look to build on our successful Don’t Be That Guy campaign as a major strand in the development of our Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.”
The campaign builds on previous Police Scotland #GetConsent campaigns, targeting men aged 18 to 35 years who are most likely to commit sexual offences.
Its aim is to urge men to take responsibility for their actions and language to help effect a culture change to tackle sexual crime against women.
Last year, West Dunbartonshire was recorded as having the second worst rate of domestic abuse in Scotland.
There were 168 incidents of domestic abuse recorded in the region by the police per 10,000 people in 2020/21 – well above the national average of 119.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “It is concerning to hear that recorded incidents of domestic abuse have risen within our local communities.
“Unfortunately, over the last decade, rates of domestic abuse in West Dunbartonshire have been higher here than in most other parts of Scotland. I commend the work that police and other agencies are doing to try and deal with this problem but more has to be done to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place.
“That preventative approach requires intervention at a very early stage, starting at school, and the Scottish Government need to invest more in education and changing social attitudes.”
Chief Superintendent Ratcliff added: “The pandemic has significantly shaped policing demand and its effect will continue to be felt for some time. Equally, we face new challenges, like the cost of living crisis which will no doubt be reflected in recorded crimes throughout the 2022/23 reporting period.”
The performance report also shows a reduction in crimes involving offensive weapons across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, with 41 fewer incidents.
Speeding offences are also down by 50 and there were three fewer incidents of serious assault.
Residents are being urged to take part in a survey, which Police Scotland say will help influence the shape of local policing in communities. It can be accessed online at https://consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and-innovation/your-police-2022-2023/
Beth Culshaw, Chief Officer of West Dunbartonshire HSCP, said: “We are committed to tackling domestic abuse and offering help and support to those affected. While it is disappointing to note a rise in domestic abuse in West Dunbartonshire, we are pleased these individuals have come forward to receive help and support. Throughout West Dunbartonshire we have strong relations with our partner agencies who share our common goal of encouraging victims to report incidents.”
