Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline calls reach record high

The number of calls to the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline has reached a record high.

The figures published today, Valentine's Day, show it received 21,047 calls in 2006 - the highest total ever. It represents an increase of 3% from the previous year, when the total was 20,410.

Liz Kelly from the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline said:

"We get people from all walks of life calling in for support. They can be petrified and extremely upset and just need to talk to someone who is not directly involved. Often it's abused women themselves, or the friends and family of someone who is suffering abuse."