News

New figures show a significant rise in number of reported rapes in Scotland

New figures from Police Scotland show a nearly 20% rise in reported rape cases in recent months.

Behind every number is a survivor who has made the decision, which can be a very difficult one, to report what happened to them to the police. It’s essential that every survivor who does report sexual crime is supported though the process.

Rape is an underreported crime. These figures don’t show us the whole picture of the reality and extent of sexual violence in Scotland.

It’s difficult to say exactly what might be behind the rise. It is possible that some of the increase may be due to increased confidence in people feeling able to report what has happened to them to the police. This is unlikely to be the whole story.

We’re concerned that at least some of this increase is because more rapes are taking place in Scotland. This is not something our society should accept or tolerate.

There is a clear and urgent need to prioritise work to prevent sexual violence. The interventions by Rape Crisis Centres in schools across Scotland, engaging with young people around issues of consent and healthy relationships, has never been more vital.

Rape Crisis services must be properly funded and resourced to meet the needs of survivors.

It’s also positive to see Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign encourage men to make interventions to prevent sexual violence from happening.

Support to engage with the criminal justice system, from considering making a police report all the way through to post-trial support, is available from local Rape Crisis Centres.