A TOTAL of 2,684 requests were made under Police Scotland’s domestic abuse disclosure rules in the last year.

The number is a 66 per cent increase on the same period between March 2018-19, when there were 1,596 applications.

The majority of requests are being made by police officers and other professionals (including social work and NHS) raising a concern about someone they think may be at risk of domestic abuse.

Police Scotland will then decide about whether to make a disclosure in the interests of safeguarding a person.

The scheme remains in operation, and people can readily access it if they are concerned that their partner, or the partner of someone they know, may have an abusive past.

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Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan, lead for major crime and public protection, said: “Offenders seek to frighten, humiliate and isolate victims from those who can offer them support.

“This is why it is so important that people understand that we are here to help.

“Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. We want to prevent harm by identifying people who may be at risk.

“We will continue to treat reports of domestic abuse as a priority, we will listen and we will investigate. Your safety is our priority.”

If you are being abused or know anyone at risk of abuse, contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Or if you need support, contact Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234, where support is available 24/7.

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