THE Wee County was the second worst area in all of Scotland for domestic offending during the coronavirus lockdown period.
A Scottish Government report shows that of all local authorities in the country, only Dundee City had a higher rate of domestic incidents.
The report, entitled the Justice Analytical Services Coronavirus (COVID-19) Data Report, was published on July 23 and aimed to show the effect of coronavirus on the justice system.
It revealed that during the lockdown months of April to June, there were 42 domestic abuse incidents per 10,000 members of the population in Clacks.
In comparison, the figure (per 10,000 people) for the City of Glasgow was 40; in Fife, it was 35; and in Midlothian, it was 32.
For Dundee – the only area with a higher rate of domestic abuse than Clacks – it was 44.
Clackmannanshire Women's Aid said the problem in the area is so bad that it might not be able to cope with the high number of people needing help as lockdown eases more and more.
A spokesperson for the group said: "It's no surprise to us that, again, the smallest county in Scotland has the second highest rates of [domestic] incidents during lockdown.
"However, this is the tip of the iceberg, and we know that there are many women and children who have suffered at the hands of perpetrators who have taken advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
"Now that lockdown has been relaxed, we expect to see the number of women, children and young people seeking support to increase greatly and services may well struggle to cope with the demand."
The Advertiser contacted police about the high rate of domestic offending locally, and was told all incidents reported to them will be properly investigated.
Detective Inspector Natalie Cook, from Forth Valley Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “Throughout the pandemic, Police Scotland has consistently appealed to victims of domestic abuse, or those who have concerns that someone may be at risk, to come forward and report it.
“Domestic abuse in all its forms will not be tolerated and has no place in society.
"I want to reassure people across the region that if you come forward, we will listen and we will investigate.
“No one should live in fear of violence and we remain committed to help victims, as well as target their perpetrators."
Anyone at risk of domestic abuse or violence can contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, Clackmannanshire Women's Aid can be reached on 01259 721407 or by emailing ClacksWomensAid@gmail.com
Support can also be obtained through the 24/7 Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here