THE number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police has dramatically risen in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire over the past decade, new figures have revealed.

In East Renfrewshire, reports have risen by 31 per cent since 2007/08, with 518 cases recorded in 2016/17, according to Scotland’s chief statistician.

Meanwhile, in Renfrewshire, reported incidents have gone up by 17 per cent over that period, with 2,230 reported this year.

There have also been rises in both areas in the past year alone, with Renfrewshire showing a three per cent increase, while East Renfrewshire had a 5.5 per cent jump.

The number of reports in East Renfrewshire this year is at its fourth highest level in the past decade, while Renfrewshire’s total is the fifth highest recorded in that time.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on The White Ribbon Campaign, said: “It’s completely unacceptable and downright sickening that women and girls are still living in fear of their partners. Attitudes are changing and more survivors are now coming forward to report incidences of domestic abuse.

“However, as we’ve seen from the Harvey Weinstein affair, women are still not being believed by certain regressive sections in our society. That has to change.

“If we want to end gender-based violence, we need to continue to emphasise the crucial role that prevention can play in making sure that this abuse never occurs in the first place.

“This includes speaking to all young people about the importance of positive relationships based on respect and having a frank discussion about the importance of consent and gender-based violence.

“In my opinion, this has to be part of the curriculum to ensure that all pupils have access to this vital education.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson added: “We know these figures don’t paint the whole picture, as victims are often too afraid to report abuse.

“We also know domestic abuse disproportionately affects women.”