STATISTICS showing high domestic abuse rates in the Wee County during lockdown are a result of proactive work by police officers, said the council leader last week.

As highlighted by the Advertiser last month, Clackmannanshire has seen the second highest rate of domestic offending during the coronavirus lockdown.

However, council leader Councillor Ellen Forson told the virtual Kilncraigs chamber at last Thursday's, September 24, special meeting that this was due to victims' increased confidence in reporting incidents.

In closing remarks following a debate on a policing plan for the county, the council leader said: "I did want to take the opportunity to just highlight a lot of the work that has been going on over the last six months by our local police colleagues.

"And I think a lot of it is quite significant.

"I particularly wanted to raise the issue of domestic violence.

"I know that stats show that Clackmannanshire had the second highest level of incidences.

"But I really do think that's a got a lot to do with the really proactive approach that the police took to this from the very beginning of the lockdown.

"There was a lot of information going out on social media, it was shared by all the community planning partners.

"So, I take it as a bit of a win that more people felt they were able to come forward and report incidents and as a result, more people were able to get support through those incidents as well."

Figures previously revealed that during the lockdown months of April and June, there were 42 domestic abuse incidents for every 10,000 residents in the Wee County.

Only Dundee saw higher levels in Scotland at 44 per 10,000.

More recent figures, relating to the time period between April and August this year, put the figure at 67 per 10,000.

Despite the rise, Clackmannanshire's relative position improved when compared to other areas.

During the meeting, the council leader also highlighted the levels of abuse police officers themselves have endured over the past months.

She said: "It's really disappointing to hear the levels of abuse that our police officers are having to put up with as they go about their daily duties.

"Even more now, because there's so many health risks in there.

"I'm hearing that officers have been physically and verbally abused, have been kicked, punched, spat at, bitten by dogs – and it's just completely unacceptable.

"We should all be able to go about our jobs, whether it's in the police, council, the fire service – any public employee should be able to go about their jobs without this."

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.