A new domestic abuse website offering advice to victims, perpetrators and their friends and family has been launched by the VRU.

The site, www.scotlandsaysno.org.uk, will eventually act as a central hub for information on domestic abuse from all Scottish police force websites.

Detective Inspector Linda Borland, who coordinated the development of the site, said:

"We know victims can be reluctant to contact the police sometimes, so by having a stand alone site all forces can link to we can provide the information they need without them feeling any pressure."

The launch coincides with the first day of the domestic abuse phase of this year's Anti-Violence Campaign.

Almost 52,000 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded by police in Scotland during 2009 - 10.

Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, who leads the Anti-Violence Campaign on behalf of the VRU said:

"If we really want to make a difference to levels of domestic abuse, we need to look at our attitudes towards relationships and what we see as acceptable. Bystanders have a very effective role to play in violence prevention. It's not about tackling violence with violence of being a have a go hero. It can be as simple as supporting a friend or family member who you suspect of being a victim of domestic abuse or even speaking to a friend who you suspect may be an abuser.

"We often see domestic abuse as a private matter, but abuse is everyone's problem. While the police and domestic abuse organisations can raise awareness, people across Scotland need to stand up and say 'enough'".