Most incidents of abuse take place in the home

Incidents recorded by police increased from 43,631 in 2004/05 to 45,796 in 2005/06, the Scottish Executive statistics showed.

The vast majority of domestic abuse was perpetrated in the home by men against women and more than half of cases last year involved repeated victimisation.

The executive said the rise in reported cases was a result of victims' greater confidence in calling the police.

Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said: "I recognise that statistics show an increasing trend in reported incidents of domestic abuse.

"We believe this is mainly due to a greater understanding and acknowledgement that domestic abuse is unacceptable and reflects increased confidence in reporting incidents to the police."

We are committed to ensuring those experiencing abuse are able to access help, protection and justice Johann Lamont Deputy Communities Minister

Just over 41% of incidents reported to police in 2005/06 involved couples who were living together or married.

Women are at most risk of being victims of domestic abuse when aged between 22 and 25.

Violence was perpetrated by women against men in 13% of cases recorded by police last year.

Overall incidence

Men are most at risk between the ages of 31 and 35, the figures revealed.

The most common crime or offence recorded was minor assault, followed by breach of the peace.

The overall incidence of domestic abuse recorded by Scottish forces last year was 899 per 100,000 population compared with 859 per 100,000 in 2004-05.

Ms Lamont said: "We continue to raise awareness of domestic abuse, including through education in schools and through our campaign Domestic Abuse, There's No Excuse.