In 2023/24, there were a total of 14,602 sexual crimes reported to the police in Scotland. Of these, 2,522 (17%) were reports of rape or attempted rape and 25,025 (35%) were reports of sexual assault (Recorded Crime in Scotland 2023-24).
Sexual crimes make up 5% of all crimes in Scotland in 2023-24 and sexual crimes have long been on the rise, but have decreased by 1% from 2022-23. Sexual crimes have been on a long-term upward trend since the mid-1970s. Levels are the third highest since the early 1970s.
Despite marked increases in the number of sexual crimes recorded by the police over time, most experiences of sexual violence remain unreported. Of those cases reported, the vast majority are female victims.
Justice Journeys 