Message must be clear, there is no excuse for domestic abuse

3.32.43pm GMT Tue 24th Nov 2009

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP has called for a clamp down on alcohol abuse as one of the main causes behind domestic abuse in Scotland.

Official figures published today show that around 60% of domestic abuse incidents happen at the weekend and that there was also a 7% rise in the number of victims who have previously experienced domestic abuse.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“Tackling domestic abuse is not an easy task, but it must start with a simple zero tolerance approach. It must be made crystal clear that there is never an excuse for domestic abuse.

“These figures highlight that more than half of domestic abuse incidents come from repeat offenders. They also show that the most common time for domestic abuse to occur is at the weekend.

“There can be no doubt that this is directly linked to alcohol misuse on Friday and Saturday nights.

“The underlying causes of why people drink themselves stupid and then decide to hit their partners must be tackled.

"We must also look further at how repeat offenders in particular are dealt with - the damage to partners and even more to the welfare of children demands no less."