Victim Support Scotland has released a statement on the figures released by Police Scotland which show an increase in the number of rape cases reported within the last 6 months, alongside the launch of the latest ‘That Guy’ campaign.

Full statement:

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said:

“We welcome Police Scotland’s transparency around these figures. By placing the onus on men to take responsibility for the actions of themselves and their friends, rather than placing the blame on victims, Police Scotland’s “That Guy” campaign has been a hugely important campaign to end gender-based violence.

“We are aware through our work at Victim Support Scotland that rape and other sexual offences are notoriously under-reported crimes, and conviction rates for rape are the lowest of any crime type in Scotland. We join Police Scotland in hoping that this increase points to victims having more confidence to come forward and report this type of crime. It is also vitally important that all victims who come forward to report are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve throughout the criminal justice system.

“Lady Dorrian’s Specialist Sexual Offences Court Working Group led to important proposals such as the creation of specialist sexual offence courts. These and other important legislative changes form part of proposals in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill which is currently making its way through Scottish Government. We anticipate that these measures prompted positive steps towards better reporting for rape and sexual offences.

“Changes in generational behaviour may take longer to come to fruition, but increased awareness of sexual crimes, along with legislative measures, all contribute to helping to make this shift.”