Sexual crimes in Scotland hit record high levels

Sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland increased by 10% last year and are now at their highest level since 1971, official figures show.

The total number of sexual crimes, which include rape and attempted rape, sexual assault and communicating indecently, rose from 14,892 to 16,430. There was also a 23% increase in offences under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act, which rose from 2,573 to 3,170 in 2025-26.

Rape Crisis Scotland said many survivors of sexual crimes choose not to report, so the true number will likely be even higher.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said he was "of course concerned" by the increase in recorded crime, especially by the rise in sexual crimes.

Overall, recorded crime across Scotland increased by 5% in the last year, rising from 299,111 in 2024-25 to 315,357 in 2025-26.

This is the highest level since 2014-15 but down 49% from the peak in 1991.

Other types of crime have also increased in the last year.

Non-sexual crimes of violence, crimes of dishonesty and crimes against society all increased by 6% during the same period, while crimes of damage and reckless behaviour fell by 1%.

Background information from Police Scotland suggests 26% of sexual crimes recorded in 2025-26 were historic and recorded at least one year after they occurred, this is a slight increase on the previous when the figure was 25%.

However, Rape Crisis Scotland said the increase in sexual crimes also represents "an increasing prevalence of sexual violence in Scotland".

Chief executive at Rape Crisis Scotland, Alev Taylor, said: "Shamefully, we continue to see the highest levels of rape and sexual crime on record.

"As these figures rise, we also recognise that many survivors choose not to report what has happened to them, so the true number of survivors remains even higher.

"These statistics represent an increasing number of survivors who have chosen to report what has happened to them.

"However, as local Rape Crisis services face increasing demand for support, there can be no doubt that it also represents an increasing prevalence of sexual violence in Scotland.

"In addition to a sharp rise in reported rapes, there is concerning increase reported sexual violence online.

"We must ensure that justice agencies are trained and equipped to effectively tackle this behaviour which is becoming frighteningly common in digital spaces."

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said the increase in sexual crime is "part of a broader pattern seen across the UK".

"While more victims are coming forward with the confidence to report offences, including historical crimes, this shows we need to remain focused on tackling these horrendous crimes, and importantly prevent them by challenging the behaviours that underpin them," he said.

"We are taking action to strengthen confidence in the justice system and ensure police, prosecutors and the courts have the powers they need to bring perpetrators to justice. But enforcement alone is not enough.

"Sexual and domestic abuse crimes are overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women, and ultimately, men must change their behaviour.

"That responsibility rests with all of us to challenge unacceptable behaviour whenever we see it."

Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: "These shameful figures show Scotland is becoming less safe on the SNP's watch.

"Violence against women is reaching crisis point as sexual violence and domestic rise again. More must be done to protect women and girls and to make our communities safe."

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, Stephen Kerr, said: "These shocking figures are a damming indictment of soft-touch SNP justice."

The Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, Yi-pei Chou Turvey, added: "The scale of the challenge facing police officers and our wider justice system is huge.

"It is particularly concerning that the level of sexual violence is now at a record high. While some of this may be down to a welcome increase in reporting, much more is needed to tackle the prevalence of these crimes."