MSP Claire Baker is concerned with statistics showing that there has been a rise in domestic abuse in Fife recorded by Police Scotland.

According to the official figures the nationwide police force has recorded 58,810 incidents in the past year nationally.

The statistics also showed that only 47% of the incidents were eventually recorded as a crime or offence.

This is down from the 51% recorded last year and 54% in 2014-15. The recent high, recorded in 2009-10, was 62%.

Locally it was revealed that Fife has the highest number of domestic abuse incidents recorded in Mid Scotland and Fife. Up from 4,070 incidents last year to 4,457.

Perth and Kinross recorded their lowest number of domestic abuse incidents in the past five years, down to 1,180 incidents.

Commenting on the publication of the statistics on domestic abuse, Scottish Labour’s Justice spokesperson Kelty born Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Claire Baker, said:

“A rise in the number of incidents shows that there is still work to be done in tackling domestic abuse.

"We must be clear, there is no place for this in a modern and progressive Scotland.

“But this may yet only be the tip of the iceberg as often victims are still too afraid to come forward. Questions should be asked as to why more than half of all incidents fail to result in a crime or offence".

Ms Baker added: “We need to be confident that those that come forward receive the support they need.

"The Domestic Abuse Bill is an important next step in supporting victims but it can’t be the final one - that is why we are calling for the introduction of domestic abuse courts throughout Scotland. It is vital that every case is treated with the sensitivity and seriousness it deserves.”