The figure was branded ‘totally unacceptable’ by the government minister responsible for tackling the problem.

The rate included 61% of victims who had previously been known sufferers of domestic abuse, compared to 54% for the 12 months in 2007/08.

Communities minister Alex Neil revealed the figures to the Scottish Parliament, during a debate on the problem as part of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Base Violence campaign to raise awareness of the issue in society.

Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini is to launch on Thursday a new legal guide for women experiencing domestic abuse, setting out their rights and options.

Scottish Women’s Aid, will signpost women to services that are there to support them, as well as outline what their rights as well as providing information about housing, benefits and their children.

Mr Neil told MSPs there was a ‘need for action’ to address the problem and he added: "This is a depressing picture which presents some major challenges to everybody in our society."

MSPs also heard that about 10% of domestic abuse incidents now involved violence against males.

Labour's Johann Lamont voiced concern that work on violence against women is being "diluted" into a community safety role.

She said: "We all know that it is a fundamental of our understanding of violence against women and domestic abuse that the crime needs to be named in order for it to be understood and tackled.

"It is essential to maintain a sharp focus on the distinctive nature of male violence and its consequences."

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken said the latest domestic abuse figures were "pretty stark".

He told MSPs that the number of recorded incidents of domestic abuse rose by 8% on the previous year, and the number of male victims increased by almost one fifth.

But Mr Aitken added: "The most depressing statistics, however, may be the fact that the number of repeat offenders has risen by 39% when compared to the previous year's figures."

With incidents of domestic abuse rising after Old Firm games, Mr Aitken made the point that there was a "clear correlation between the activities on football grounds and domestic violence".

LibDem justice spokesman Robert Brown said that while domestic abuse was often viewed as gender-based violence, there were other factors.

He said: "It is also true that alcohol abuse and also drug abuse makes a very significant contribution to these figures, as do the domestic financial pressures caused by the current economic crisis."

The booklet, produced by Scottish Women’s Aid, will signpost women to services that are there to support them, as well as outline what their rights as well as providing information about housing, benefits and their children.

The publication is described as asupportive, accessible and user friendly guide to the law for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Lily Greenan, manager of Scottish Women’s Aid said: “It is vital that women have access to information about how they can use the law to protect themselves and their children. This publication, along with the emotional and practical support offered by Women’s Aid Groups across Scotland builds on the work that has been done to date in supporting women rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic abuse.”