Rape and rape reports attempts increase by 9%, figures show

Rape and rape reports have increased by 9% in the last year, the figures show.

Statistics published on Tuesday by the Scottish Government show a jump in the number of reports from 2,545 to 2,785 between 2023 and 2024.

The figure also increased by 25% between 2020 and 2024, the figures show, although Scotland was in the depths for most 2020.

The head of the Crisis of rape Scotland said that more should be done to help young people understand the consent.

The growth comes as the total number of sexual offenses registered in 2024 decreased by 2%.

Sandy Brindley, the executive director of RAPE Crisis Scotland, said: “This is a significant increase in the number of rapes reported to the police.

“While part of this may be due to increased trust, we cannot absolutely exclude more rapes.

“We urgently need to intensify our efforts to ensure that all young people from Scotland have access to interventions that explore consent and healthy relationships.

“If we are not serious about investments in rape prevention efforts, we will continue to see rape rapes every year.”

The number of registered non-sexual violent offenses has increased by 10% in the last year, stimulated by a 50% increase in the number of reports of family abuse, which increased from 1,963 to 2.409.

Death reports by dangerous driving offenses have also increased from 50 to 59, while total murder and guilty homicide reports decreased by 17% compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, shopping cases jumped 18% of 36,815 and 43,556, which was described by the deputy chief of the Scottish retail consort, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, as “awful”.

He said: “Despite the record investments by retail traders in crime prevention, the endless growth of shops continues.

“There were over 43,000 shopping incidents last year, an 18%peak, which is more than 100 thefts per day.

“It is worth noting even this terrible image is just the tip of the iceberg. As underlined in our recent crime survey, retail traders do not often report low shopping sales, because I do not think there is the probability of criminals to face justice.

“Shoplifting is not a crime without victims.

“Thefts are often the main factor behind the abuse and threats towards workers in stores.

“Our members are clear the lack of discouragement means that thieves become bolder and more aggressive.

“The financial cost is significant and is finally paid by customers by higher prices and less convenient shopping.”