A register of support services for victims of abuse in Scotland is being launched to enable people to get help as quickly as possible.

It contains information about more than 100 organisations north of the border.

Support groups say very often victims of violence or sexual abuse end up phoning round several organisations before finding the one that meets their needs.

The register aims to put an end to this chasing around by giving clear information on the help available.

Domestic abuse

Janette Forman from the Women's Support Project, which has produced the booklet, says too often there have been inappropriate referrals.

The booklet aims to ensure the best use of the resources available and promote effective working.

It will be distributed in a range of outlets, such as health centres, voluntary organisations and police stations.

Last August the first set of nationally recorded figures for domestic abuse in Scotland showed 26,000 incidents were reported during an eight-month period.

Thousands of calls

Scottish Women's Aid contrasted the figure of 26,000 incidents with the 58,000 calls it took in the last year.

A spokeswoman said the official figures were just the tip of the iceberg.