News
Recorded crime falls - but reported rape increases yet again
Between April 1 2014 and March 31 2015, there was a 4.7 per cent decrease in crime recorded across all categories.
Reported rape, however, increased by more than 5%. Domestic abuse reports increased by 1.8%.
Rape Crisis Scotland spokeswoman Sandy Brindley said:
"It is always difficult to say with any certainty whether increased reporting of rape means that more rapes are occurring, or whether it reflects increased confidence in the police. We know that rape is a particularly under reported crime. Police Scotland have taken significant steps to ensure people have confidence in the response they receive if they report a sexual offence, and these figures suggest that this is having a positive impact. No matter when a rape happened, someone should feel confident in approaching the police to speak about their experience."
The figures are contained in management information which is published online today.
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, Crime and Operational Support, said: “Over the past two years, we have significantly enhanced our whole approach to investigating the most serious of crimes including murder, rape and domestic abuse.
“Through the introduction of Major Investigation Teams, Rape and Domestic Abuse Taskforces and divisional investigation units, we have seen national specialist support being provided to local policing teams to ensure our response is as effective and responsive as possible."
The number of domestic abuse incidents reported during 2014/2015 increased by 1.8 per cent to total 59,471. One or more crimes were recorded in 57 per cent of all domestic incidents.
Sexual crime recorded by Police Scotland increased by 9.3 per cent. There were 1797 rapes recorded during the 12 month period, an increase of 91 compared to 2013/2014. Nearly 40 per cent of those reports were historic.
Sexual Violence Prevention Project Evaluation
Rape Crisis Scotland has published the evaluation into its Sexual Violence Prevention Project, which works with young people across Scotland on issues relating to sexual violence, consent and healthy relationships. Key findings include:
- The project increased knowledge about what the law says sexual violence is – 53% of young people agreed they knew what they law said prior to attending the workshops. This increased to 89% after attending.
- Attitudes also changed significantly, with the data suggesting that the workshop sessions were successful in raising young people’s awareness of sexual violence, the importance of equality and consent in healthy relationships, and that the responsibility for sexual violence lies with perpetrators rather than victims.
- 94% of young people think it is important that they have education on these issues
- Young people overwhelmingly agreed that adults were right to be concerned about young people and relationships
- Teachers are concerned about early sexualisation, abusive relationships and bullying on social media
A copy of the evaluation can be found here and a summary of key findings here.
RCS launches new publication on sexual violence and harassment in the workplace
Rape Crisis Scotland and the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre have produced a new leaflet called ‘Sexual Violence and Harassment in the Workplace’. It sets out practical steps someone can take to improve their safety, explains legal rights, employers responsibilities and where someone can access support and information.
Research project on early sexual abuse among ethnic minorities in Scotland
A project based at Edinburgh University is looking to speak with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (18 years or older) from any of the Scottish ethnic minorities, and their friends and families.
They aim to find out what has helped BME survivors in Scotland to get through their childhood experiences, and the services they have or would like to have had to help them better.
The researchers hope to produce a short documentary summarising the ways that helped survivors most. They aim to highlight the services available to help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the ethnic minorities, and to emphasise the gaps in services.
You can take part if you are 18 years of age or older, male or female, from any of the ethnic minorities in Scotland.
Taking part would involve a short interview of 30 - 45 minutes. An initial meeting would be conducted to explain the project in detail and address concerns or questions if any before you give your consent. Your privacy and confidentiality will be completely protected. Anything you share will remain completely anonymous. No identifying information would be revealed in the documentary or associated documentation.
Researchers will also ensure that interviewees have appropriate support available to them if required during or after the interview.
To volunteer for this project, please email: docuprojectjn@gmail.com or contact: Javita at 07404523730 Nauman at 07429589718
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- Landmark judgment on corroboration in sexual offence cases
- New figures show a significant rise in number of reported rapes in Scotland
