Reporting of domestic rape cases increases due to growing confidence in reporting the crime
Incidents of domestic rape have soared in Scotland – with an 81% rise on the previous year.
There was also a 55% rise in reports of domestic stalking offences.
Police Scotland recorded a total of 58,976 domestic incidents in 2013-14.
Chief constable Sir Stephen House gave the figures during a speech to a domestic violence conference in Edinburgh.
He said a large number of the sexual assaults can be attributed to an increase in reporting by victims and a rise in historical victims coming forward which may have been driven by the high-profile celebrity sex crime cases of the last year.
Rape Crisis Scotland said the rise in reported cases of attacks show progress is being made.
A spokeswoman said: “It is very encouraging to see the police taking a proactive approach in this area.
It is very encouraging to see the police taking a proactive approach in this area.
“That is why we are seeing a greater number of people coming forward to report these incidents.
“Sexual violence in relationships can be hidden. It is something that can be very difficult for survivors to talk about."
The chief constable said that more than 20% of all police operational time was spent dealing with domestic incidents.
He said a domestic incident was reported somewhere in Scotland every nine minutes, on average.
He added: "The significant increase in the numbers of people coming forward to report these crimes is encouraging as it shows more and more are confident in the support they will receive but I believe these figures will be the tip of the iceberg.
"Over the Christmas period we will be running a festive campaign specifically targeted at those who commit these crimes. Many victims are especially vulnerable, often isolated and frequently in danger over the festive period. Abuse can escalate with victims suffering repeatedly at the hands of a partner or ex-partner.
And he warned: "Our festive campaign will start the week before Christmas and we will have extra police officers on the streets across Scotland.
“It will have a direct focus on preventing abuse and sending a clear message that there is no hiding place - if you do it, we will find you."
