‘Staggering’ increase in reports of sexual crime in Scotland – BBC

Report on the Rise in Sexual Crimes in Scotland and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Crime Statistics and SDG Relevance

Recent official statistics reveal a concerning 15% increase in recorded rapes and attempted rapes in Scotland over the past year, with sexual crimes overall rising by 3% to reach the second highest level since 1971. This trend poses significant challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, which emphasizes the elimination of violence against women and girls.

Key Findings

1. The total number of sexual crimes reported in 2024-25 was 14,892, marking a 45% increase over the last decade.
2. Reports of rape and attempted rape increased from 2,522 in 2023-24 to 2,897 in 2024-25, a 60% rise compared to ten years ago.
3. Despite these increases, overall crime rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, and violent crime has decreased significantly over the past 20 years.
4. Cybercrime has doubled since 2019-20, highlighting emerging challenges in digital safety aligned with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls to Action

• Rape Crisis Scotland: Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, described the rise in sexual crimes as “alarming” and called for intensified efforts to address the underlying attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence. She emphasized the need for prevention work targeting young people, particularly concerning the impact of online pornography that normalizes violence, which directly relates to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16.
• Justice Secretary Angela Constance: While acknowledging the concerning rise in sexual crimes, she highlighted the significant reductions in violent crime, serious assaults, and homicides over the past two decades. Her approach includes improving victim support, modernizing sexual offence laws, and increasing public confidence in the justice system.
• Political Responses:
  • Liam Kerr MSP (Scottish Conservative) expressed concern over increasing trends in various crimes, emphasizing public safety.
  • Pauline McNeill (Scottish Labour) described violence against women and girls as a societal scourge and urged comprehensive government action to combat this epidemic, reinforcing SDG 5.
  • Liam McArthur (Liberal Democrats) highlighted the need for adequate police resources and expertise to effectively address these crimes, supporting SDG 16.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The rise in sexual crimes in Scotland underscores critical challenges to several SDGs:

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The increase in sexual violence directly threatens efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Effective law enforcement, justice system modernization, and victim support are essential to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Prevention programs aimed at young people must incorporate education on healthy relationships and the dangers of harmful online content.

Recommendations

1. Invest substantially in prevention and education initiatives targeting youth to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence.
2. Enhance support services for victims to encourage reporting and recovery, thereby strengthening trust in the justice system.
3. Modernize legal frameworks to address contemporary forms of sexual offences effectively.
4. Allocate adequate resources and training to law enforcement agencies to improve investigation and prosecution of sexual crimes.
5. Address the impact of online pornography and digital content that normalizes violence through regulatory and educational measures.

Conclusion

The recent increase in sexual crimes in Scotland represents a significant barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality, justice, and education. Coordinated efforts involving government, civil society, and communities are imperative to reverse these trends and promote a safer, more equitable society.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article discusses the rise in sexual crimes, particularly rape and attempted rape, which disproportionately affect women and girls.
   • It highlights the need to tackle attitudes underpinning sexual violence and protect women and girls from violence.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article addresses issues related to crime rates, justice system confidence, and law modernization.
   • It emphasizes improving support for victims and ensuring safety in communities.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Sexual violence has significant impacts on mental and physical health, and the article calls for prevention and support measures.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions the need for prevention work with young people to counter harmful attitudes and exposure to violent online pornography.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as sexual violence and exploitation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights and gender equality.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 5.2 and 5.3
   • Number and rate of reported sexual crimes (rape, attempted rape, sexual offenses) as a measure of violence against women and girls.
   • Attitudinal surveys on acceptance of violence against women and harmful gender norms (implied need to tackle attitudes).
2. Indicators for SDG 16.1 and 16.3
   • Total number of reported crimes, including violent crimes and sexual crimes.
   • Rates of serious assaults and homicides (noted as at record lows).
   • Number of victims reporting crimes and accessing justice services (implied through efforts to increase confidence in the justice system).
   • Police resources and capacity indicators (implied through discussion of police skills and resources).
3. Indicator for SDG 3.4
   • Prevalence of mental health issues related to sexual violence (implied through the need for victim support).
4. Indicator for SDG 4.7
   • Number and reach of prevention programs targeting young people to change attitudes about sexual violence and exposure to harmful online content.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com