Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini has committed to stop the perpetrators of domestic violence at the 29th Council of Europe Conference of the Ministers of Justice in Norway.

This year s conference is entitled Breaking the Silence - United Against Domestic Violence, and has thhe objective of developing a common approach across Europe to supporting and empowering victims.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with colleagues across Europe in tackling this most insidious of crimes," she said.

"The countries of the Council of Europe are united by a commitment to being free and civilised societies in which all people are able to flourish together with their families. Domestic abuse has no place there.

"These crimes hide behind a silence built by intimidation and fear. For victims, the home becomes a prison and all the family suffers. In Scotland, we are commited to stopping the perpetrators and helping the victims of domestic abuse free themselves to live happy and fulfilling lives.

"We look forward to sharing our experiences and to learning from the approaches of others to continue to send a message to perpetrators that domestic abuse will not be tolerated."