News

Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes a 40% increase in the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape in Scotland

New figures release today show a 40% increase in the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape in Scotland, as well as an increase in the proportion of cases taken forward that result in a conviction. Rape Crisis Scotland National Coordinator Sandy Brindley said:

‘Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes such a significant increase in the number of convictions for rape and attempted rape in Scotland.

Rape is a very serious crime and it is vital that people can have confidence in the justice system’s response. The proportion of rapes prosecuted that resulted in a conviction has also risen – from 40% to 46%. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that a significant majority of rapes that are reported do not result in a conviction, or even make it to court. These latest figures show that there were 125 convictions for rape and attempted rape during 2014-15; however it is important to put this in perspective: there were also a total of 1901 reports of rape and attempted rape during the same year - 1797 of these were reports of rape. And while today’s figures are welcome, it is still the case that the by far the highest number of not guilty and not proven verdicts are to be found in cases of rape and attempted rape. There is no room for complacency, and much still remains to be done in terms of improving the justice response for rape survivors in Scotland.’

Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2014-15 can be accessed at http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00494474.pdf

Judicial review decision on legal aid provision

A key legal judgement has been issued today which improves the protection of complainers’ human rights within the Scottish justice system.  Rape Crisis Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to put processes in place to ensure that complainers are informed of their rights to oppose applications for their medical or other sensitive records.

12th February 2016

Funding announcement: Rape Crisis Scotland National Prevention Programme

Rape Crisis Scotland is delighted to announce that the national sexual violence prevention programme has been funded for a further three years through core funding from the Scottish Government’s Children, Young People and Families Early Intervention Fund.

Rape Crisis Scotland receives Silver LGBT Charter

Rape Crisis Scotland was delighted to receive the Silver LGBT Charter Mark from LGBT Youth Scotland.

This is in recognition of our efforts to ensure that LGBT issues are mainstreamed and an integral part of our service. We hope that this will allow LGBT people to feel that they can contact us with confidence, in the knowledge that they will be fully included, valued and supported (you can find out more about the LGBT Charter of Rights here).

Fergus McMillan (Chief Executive), LGBT Youth Scotland said: “LGBT Youth Scotland is delighted to award the Silver level LGBT Charter to Rape Crisis Scotland. The LGBT Charter process includes a set of rigorous standards designed to support services to undertake training, reflect on their policies and practices, and ensure that their service is truly LGBT-inclusive. Throughout this journey, Rape Crisis Scotland has consistently worked for meaningful change and good practice. Some strong examples including the following: several resources targeting LGBTI people who have experienced rape and sexual assault; their transgender inclusion policy; the launch of a LGBTI-badged service within the national helpline; and, involving staff, volunteers, and the board in discussions around LGBTI inclusion and improvements.”

Rape Crisis Scotland will continue to have discussions with LGBT Youth Scotland and to review our services. If you would like to get in touch with us about any aspect of this, we’d be very glad to hear from you – just email us at info@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk