New figures have revealed that 803 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded by the police in Moray in 2018-19. This contrasts with a figure of 389 in 2009/10.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “It is concerning that, in less than a decade, incidents of domestic violence in Moray appear to have doubled to an average of more than two a day. This is far more than can be explained simply by improved reporting and recording of offences.
“This rise comes at a time when the SNP Government has effectively abolished jail sentences of less than a year – risking domestic abusers being let off the hook.
“The worry must be that this could result in abusers being let straight back into homes, which is simply unacceptable.”
The Scottish Conservative MSP added: “I fully support the police in their efforts to protect victims of domestic abuse and to bring domestic abusers to justice.
“Sadly, those efforts risk being undermined by a soft-touch SNP government which seems content to let such people walk free from court.”
