A new domestic abuse campaign has been launched to help protect people at risk during the coronavirus lockdown.

It is feared that many people, women in particular, could feel more threatened by abuse while the instructions are to stay at home.

The Scottish Government has re-started a campaign to re-assure people that help and support is still available for them.

Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, said that the police and other services are still ready and able to respond to calls for help.

The campaign comes as it is revealed there has been almost 1700 offences recorded in the year since new domestic abuse laws came into force.

Mr Yousaf said: “These are unsettling times for everyone but I want to be absolutely clear that anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the home is not alone. While they may feel isolated and vulnerable, help is still available round the clock.

“We have heard that victims may feel like they don’t want to bother the police or support services because of the crisis. The message of this campaign is absolutely clear: services are open and they are there to help you.”

He said the coronavirus outbreak should not prevent anyone suffering violence or controlling behaviour to seek help or report a crime.

Police Scotland revealed there had been almost 1700 offences recorded sine the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act came into force, last year, with 1669 domestic abuse offences recorded under the new law.

Of that total, 1569 offences were recorded where the victim was a woman. Police said in 94 per cent of the cases the abuser was male. Of the remaining, 104 recorded crimes, the victim was a man.

Assistant Chief Constable, Duncan Sloan, Police Scotland lead for Major Crime and Public Protection, said: “Recognising, within law, the full range of behaviours used by abusers to control, coerce, and instil fear in their victims, has been the single most significant step in our efforts to tackle domestic abuse in Scotland.

“More than 14,000 of our officers and staff have now been trained to recognise that domestic abuse isn’t always violent or physical. It is often psychological: disempowering and isolating victims and removing them from the support of family and friends, which can have the most devastating impact.”

He added: “Abusers should understand, we will respond to all reports of domestic abuse. We will delve into their histories, we will speak to previous partners, and we will use all of the powers at our disposal to ensure they face the full consequences of their behaviour.”

People are being asked to contact the police or partner agencies, if they, or anyone they know, is or may be at risk of domestic abuse. Please call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Or contact the domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234, where support is available 24/7.