Domestic abuse crimes have fallen in Dumbarton and the Vale during the past year.

Incidents involving abuse in the home have reduced by 10.6 per cent with 112 reported.

A further 77, a drop of 14.4 per cent on the previous year, ended up being taken to court by authorities.

A new year-to-date report from police said: “Domestic abuse crimes and incidents continue to show a downward trend.”

Beth Culshaw, the chief officer of the West Dunbartonshire's Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), also presented a report to Thursday’s community planning meeting which provided an update on the work that’s being carried out across West Dunbartonshire to tackle domestic abuse.

Read more: Partners come together in battle against domestic abuse

Speaking at yesterday’s meeting Ms Culshaw, told how the HSCP had successfully intervened in over 70 cases of domestic abuse.

She said: “That’s 78 cases where we can say we actually made a difference and that’s one of the challenges we face, how can we practically demonstrate how we are doing this.

“Also, how to engage with young people, and working in a more proactive way.”

Ms Culshaw suggested that engaging with football clubs and other organisations could be a good way to do this.

Several organisations including the council, police, fire service as well as employers Aggreko and Pernod Ricard (Chivas) in Dumbarton, have vowed to work with them to address the issue.

They will aim to try to change people’s behaviour and prevent violence before it happens through education in schools and training/awareness sessions in workplaces.

Read more: ‘I’m becoming me again’ says Haldane survivor of domestic abuse

The HSCP report continued: “Although most recent figures demonstrate a reduction, there continues to be anecdotal assumptions and urban myths perpetrated across our communities and within agencies around domestic abuse.

“This does not detract from the fact that domestic abuse is a significant issue for West Dunbartonshire.

“Community planning partners have agreed an approach which focuses on primary prevention within schools, workplaces, organisations and communities across West Dunbartonshire.

“This emphasises and concentrates on preventing violence before it occurs.

“In other words, focusing on changing behaviour, building the knowledge and skills of individuals, and delivering a progressive shift in the structural, cultural and societal contexts in which violence occurs.

“By prioritising primary prevention, we are able to challenge the notion that violence is inevitable or acceptable.”

Ms Culshaw added that the HSCP plan to place more focus on the perpetrators instead of the victim, and also it is now recognised that many people who suffer domestic abuse are male.

A series of events have been organised for this year including 'Breaking the Cycle' in March, which involves hosting an event with children and young people across schools and communities to make sure they develop a zero attitude to domestic abuse.

'Signing the Pledge' in May will launch a formal agreement by community planning leaders to zero tolerance of domestic abuse.

And in July and August there are plans to co-ordinate investment and support to help those who have been affected by domestic abuse.

A community response event in September will encourage people to report concerns so that perpetrators can't hide behind closed doors.

November will see a review of the year's activities being carried out.