Sexual Crimes in Scotland Reach Record Highs
Sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland increased by 10% last year, reaching their highest level since 1971, according to official figures.
The total number of sexual crimes, which include rape and attempted rape, sexual assault, and communicating indecently, rose from 14,892 to 16,430. Additionally, offences under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act increased by 23%, rising from 2,573 to 3,170 in 2025-26.
Rape Crisis Scotland highlighted that many survivors of sexual crimes choose not to report incidents to the police, suggesting the actual number of offences is likely higher.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray expressed concern over the rise in recorded crime, particularly the increase in sexual offences.
Overall, recorded crime across Scotland rose by 5% in the last year, from 299,111 in 2024-25 to 315,357 in 2025-26. This is the highest level since 2014-15 but remains 49% lower than the peak recorded in 1991.
Other categories of crime also saw increases during the same period. Non-sexual crimes of violence, crimes of dishonesty, and crimes against society each increased by 6%, while crimes involving damage and reckless behaviour decreased by 1%.
Background information from Police Scotland indicates that 26% of sexual crimes recorded in 2025-26 were historic, reported at least one year after the offence occurred, a slight increase from 25% the previous year.
Rape Crisis Scotland stated that the rise in sexual crimes also reflects an increasing prevalence of sexual violence in Scotland.
"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."
Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, Alev Taylor, made these remarks emphasizing the ongoing challenges.
Justice Secretary Calls for Behavioural Change
Justice Secretary Neil Gray noted that the increase in sexual crime is part of a wider trend observed 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."
Political Responses to Rising Crime
Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill commented on the figures, stating:
"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 described the statistics as:
"These shocking figures are a damming indictment of soft-touch SNP justice."
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."
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