The Scottish Government has announced a £570,000 funding boost for groups which tackle violence against women.

Social justice secretary Alex Neil said the money would help to build stronger and more resilient women's support groups across Scotland.

In 2014/15 there were 59,882 reported incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland, with 79% of incidents involving a male perpetrator. In the same year police recorded 1,901 rapes or attempted rapes.

The funding will be provided to centres which are performing satisfactorily. Rape Crisis Scotland will receive a maximum of £140,000 and a maximum of £430k will go to Scottish Women’s Aid.

Mr Neil made the announcement on a visit to the Edinburgh Women’s Aid group on Friday.

He said: "The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to tackling the scourge of violence against women and girls. This funding boost of over half a million pounds will ensure local Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis centres can continue to provide vital services to women and girls throughout the country. It means every local centre or group will receive an extra £10,000 to help them reach those in need.

“Violence against women and girls is a fundamental violation of human rights, blighting thousands of lives each year. We are providing record levels of funding and strengthening the law in this area, but we know there remains much to be done."

Chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, Dr Marsha Scott, said: "We are of course delighted to hear about any additional funding for local services, especially when demand for services is rising and local funding sources are very stressed.

"Particularly welcome is any investment in infrastructure, given the challenges involved in delivering services in the context of recession, austerity, and year-on-year cuts in real spend, all of which have eroded service resilience.

"We look forward to working with other stakeholders, officials, and politicians in the next Parliament to reform how and, perhaps more important, for how long, violence against women services are funded both nationally and locally."

Sandy Brindley, national coordinator of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: "Rape crisis centres across Scotland provide crucial support services for survivors of sexual violence. We are delighted to receive additional funding to assist in the delivery of these services."