A new study has found that of 5,029 people convicted of domestic violence last year only 579 were sent to jail.
Almost 2,000 paid a fine, 1,467 were admonished and 964 given a community sentence.
Conservative MSP Bill Aitken, shadow justice secretary, uncovered the figures in a parliamentary answer.
He said: "Something is wrong here and it shows Scotland is a long way from zero tolerance towards domestic abuse.
"Domestic violence can affect anyone and in particular can traumatise any children who witness it.
"A huge number of domestic violence incidents are never even reported, which makes the situation even worse."
Mr Aitken added: "We need to send out a much stronger message to those who commit domestic violence that it simply will not be tolerated. People will not be deterred if they are not afraid of the consequences.
"This is also another reason why we must continue the fight against those who want to scrap sentences of six months or less.
"If the SNP and Lib Dems had their way then even fewer people convicted of domestic violence would be going to jail and that is totally unacceptable."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are committed to the rigorous and rapid prosecution of the perpetrators of domestic abuse and to improving support for the victims of this despicable crime.
"And just as importantly we are doing everything we can to prevent these situations ever happening by taking bold action on alcohol and drug abuse.
"Our £10 million National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan is a blueprint for protection and prevention. Over three years, the Scottish Government is also investing millions to support a range of vital support services including the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline."
Last updated: 22 November 2009, 18:10 GMT
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