Victims need confidence to report incidents, police said

The six month pilot aims to reduce repeat offences and improve the service given to victims through information gathering and risk assessment.

A recent survey suggested many victims suffered domestic abuse up to 35 times before they asked for help.

The new project will aim to offer a more consistent approach, as well as intelligent management of resources.

In East Lothian last year there were 669 reported cases of domestic abuse and at least 60% involved repeat incidents.

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It is feared there were many more cases unreported.

Det Ch Insp Jacqueline Conway, who is leading the project, said victims needed to have confidence in the police to report the crime.

She said: "This pilot will ensure that the safety and protection of victims will be given priority.

"Our research indicates many more victims are out there and we want to do all we can to ask them to come forward and seek assistance."