SHOCKING figures have revealed that domestic abuse happens at least three times a day in East Ayrshire.

The sickening results found that there were 54 rapes, or attempted rapes, in the area between 2017 and 2018 with women usually being the target.

Police dealt with 1,405 incidents during this time including 142 sex crimes and 40 stalking cases.

The number of domestic abuse incidents in the area is now higher than the Scottish average.

However, although the figure is still high it has dropped 16% since 2014 and 2015.

Councillor Ian Grant, spoke out about the impact violence against mums can have on children.

He said:“Every one of these numbers is a human tragedy playing out in front of children.

“They will carry the memory for the rest of their days.

“We need to ensure women put in this situation feel empowered to come forward.”

Across the nation, Police Scotland recorded 59,541 cases of domestic abuse during 2017 to 2018.

The figures emerged during a progress report from the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership (EAVAWP).

The organisation addresses violence against women and it is made up of council officials, police, health staff, charities and other organisations.

The partnership has been running seminars to educate people about coercive control, prostitution and other issues relating to abuse.

A voices of experience conference, which featured survivors’ stories, drew 118 delegates in Auchinleck in November.

Other work includes the campaign ’16 days of action for the elimination of violence against women’, which raises awareness across the area.

Councillor Grant commended the EAVAWP on work being carried out.

Commitee chair, Councillor Barry Douglas, described the report presented to to the meeting as “sobering”.

Doon Valley Councillor Elaine Dinwoodie said: “It is good to see all the agencies are working hard to support ladies in this position.”