New figures show that 1,152 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded by the police in the Scottish Borders in 2019-20.
This is an increase on last year of 133, and is the highest figure recorded in the past ten years.
Across Scotland, a total of 62,907 incidents were recorded in 2019-20, compared with 33,187 in 1999-2000. Domestic abuse incidents have now risen in each of the last four years.
Mrs Hamilton says the SNP were warned that by effectively scrapping prison sentences of less than a year would mean an even softer approach would be taken against those found guilty of domestic abuse.
Only 40 per cent of incidents reported last year resulted in the police recording a crime or offence.
Mrs Hamilton believes part of the reason why numbers have risen is due to victims feeling more confident to report abuse.
However, the Borders MSP has criticised the decision to abolish short prison sentences by the Scottish Government, which ultimately results in domestic abusers being allowed to return home.
The Borders MSP will write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to ask that he bolster the resources available to the Police and women’s aid charities to support victims.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“It is concerning to learn that figures for domestic violence are rising in the Scottish Borders.
“There is an element of this issue that more women are finding the confidence to come forward to the police, however it is alarming that incidents are rising.
“Perpetrators must be brought to justice and I comment the bravery of victims who come forward.
“Without a doubt, we need to see Police Scotland given more resources to ensure we can tackle this head on.
“I recently lodged amendments to domestic abuse legislation to strength its protection of victims, especially on financial abuse through coercive behaviour.
“Every single victim of domestic violence deserves the whole justice system to be on their side.
“We need to see the SNP end their soft touch approach to justice in this country and ensure that victims are put first”.