Almost 1,000 people have been told of their partner’s abusive past in the last year as increasing numbers use a scheme to investigate their history.

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS) gives people the right to ask police if they suspect their current partner may have an abusive past and gives police the power to tell someone if they think they may be at risk.

New figures show that between October 1 2018 and September 30 2019, a total of 924 disclosures were made under the scheme, which marked the fourth anniversary of its introduction yesterday.

Each case is considered by a panel to determine if disclosure is lawful, necessary and proportionate to protect them.

Police said that the number of requests has increased year-on-year, and in the past year alone, the number of requests rose by 59 per cent to 2,177.

This takes into account applications under both the Right to Ask, received from individuals, and the Power to Tell, where Police Scotland decides to make a disclosure to safeguard a person.

Detective Superintendent Gordon McCreadie, Police Scotland’s national lead for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse is unacceptable and it is vital that we collectively use every tool at our disposal to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.

“The scheme is an important tool in tackling domestic abuse and it is really encouraging that our officers are increasingly using it to protect people at risk of harm.

“Anyone who is concerned about their partner’s past, or who thinks their friend or colleague may be subject to domestic abuse, can make an application under the scheme.

“Where a risk is identified a disclosure will be made to the person at risk of abuse, enabling them to make an informed choice about continuing the relationship or making themselves safe.

“We do not tolerate domestic abuse. We investigate fully all reports received and perpetrators should expect to face the full consequences of their abusive behaviour.”