News

Record levels of sexual crime in Scotland

*Record sexual crime has more than doubled in the past decade and is now at its highest level since comparable records began in 1971

*Slight decrease in recorded rapes but significant increase - 7% - in sexual offences overall

*In 43% of sexual crimes, the victim was under 18

New figures published today by the Scottish Government show record levels of sexual crime being recorded in Scotland.  While recorded crime as a whole has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years, reporting of sexual crime continues to increase year on year. There has historically been a significant under reporting of sexual crime - people still tell rape crisis that they are scared of not being believed or being blamed, or that they don't want to report because of fear of the justice process itself, particularly giving evidence in court.  Considerable steps have been taken in the past decade to improve confidence in how the justice system will respond, and these efforts are undoubtedly part of the reason for the record levels of reporting - people who previously didn't feel able to report what has happened to the police are coming forward, and in record numbers.

Sandy Brindley, National Coordinator for Rape Crisis Scotland, commented:

"It is important that people have confidence in reporting sexual crime.  Changes introduced by Police Scotland in recent years have transformed how sexual crime is investigated in Scotland. It is likely that at least some of the increase in recorded sexual crime is due to people having more confidence to report what has happened to them.  However, it is also possible that there has been a significant increase in the actual levels of sexual crime taking place.  Particularly worrying is the high level of sexual offences being experienced by children and young people in Scotland - in 43% of sexual crimes, the victim was under 18.

"Rape Crisis Scotland runs a prevention project which works with young people across the country on issues around consent and healthy relationships. In the past three years we have worked with over 18,000 young people, and in 102 schools across the country. Young people overwhelming tells us that they need information and support on these issues. Rape Crisis Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that every young people in Scotland has access to appropriate information and support around consent and healthy sexual relationships. "