Rise in Rape Allegations in Scotland: Police, Campaigners Call for Action
A concerning rise in reported rape allegations in Scotland has fueled discussions about ongoing challenges in tackling sexual violence. New data released by Police Scotland reveals a 19.5% increase in reported rape cases between April and September 2023, compared to the same period last year. This figure totals 1,400 allegations, with authorities suggesting this number might only represent the tip of the iceberg.
Confidence in Reporting?
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, while acknowledging the seriousness of the statistics, expressed hope that the increase reflects a growing confidence among victims in coming forward.
“Do I think that the reported crimes that we currently have in Police Scotland are the full picture? No, it’s not.
It’s probably the tip of the iceberg.
And if we listen as we do to victims and survivors, we know that it takes a long time for people to come forward to report crimes of this type,”
“I’m really confident that I don’t think things are getting worse out there, but I do think that there is a long way to go before we get 100% of the picture of this sort of offending.” — Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson
He emphasized the campaign’s aim to encourage men to question their own behavior and challenge inappropriate attitudes:
“There’s a continuum of behaviour that takes people from what could be considered as quite low level banter-type behaviour all the way through to serious sexual offences and rape.
This campaign is about saying you can break this. Change your own behaviour and challenge the behaviour of your peers.” — Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson
“That Guy” Campaign: Addressing Misogynistic Culture
In response to this alarming trend, Police Scotland has launched a renewed phase of its award-winning “That Guy” social media campaign. This campaign targets men aged 18-35, the age group most often convicted of sexual offences, aiming to change attitudes and behaviors that contribute to a culture of sexual violence.
Police Scotland