HIGHLAND police are flagging up a no-nonsense approach to domestic abuse in the run-up to the festive period, targeting the “high number” of repeat offenders in a new campaign.

Northern Constabulary and its multi-agency partners today highlighted the importance of working together to reduce domestic abuse across the force area.

Highland police revealed this week they will review domestic abuse incidents involving repeat offenders.

Inspector Eddie Ross of the Force’s Public Protection Unit said: “Working closely with our partners is critical as domestic abuse not only affects adults but children as well. Children should not be subjected to any form of violence or abuse, nor should they ever have to witness it within their own home.

“Domestic abuse is a priority and any abuser will be dealt with robustly and face the consequences of their actions and the full effect of the law. We will also target repeat offenders in order to protect victims.”

Fiona Palin from Health and Social Care at Highland Council described the impact of domestic violence on children in the household as “devastating and long lasting”.

Anyone taken into custody for a domestic type offence will be issued with a bail warning letter. These cover certain actions that officers may carry out including unannounced visits to places where perpetrators are excluded from. Even if partners decide to get back together this may still contravene a bail condition, which may still apply.

Police and health and social workers stress that many women face a sustained pattern of abuse over many years. Scottish Women’s Aid figures indicate that one in five women experience domestic abuse and in Scotland this also involves 100,000 children, nine out of 10 in the same or next room during incidents.

Ross-shire Women’s Aid manager, Heather Williams said: “It is a particularly difficult time of year for children and young people and in Women’s Aid we have dedicated workers who not only fully understand the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people, but who have been professionally trained to respond to a wide variety of needs.”

She added: “Not only do we provide support to children but we have had increasing calls for help from teenagers who are also experiencing abuse in their relationships. If you want to talk to someone or you need urgent help, just call your local Women’s Aid group. There is no commitment and your call will be treated with respect and in confidence.”

Although levels of recorded domestic abuse are lower per head of the population in the Highlands and Islands, it is understood to be an under-reported crime. There are also a growing number of men who suffer abuse from partners, though the overwhelming majority of victims are women.