Reported rapes and attempted rapes up almost one third in four years

The number of rapes and attempted rapes reported in Scotland has risen by almost one third in four years, figures show. Statistics released on Tuesday show an increase from 2,455 for the year ending June 2022 to 3,420 for the year up to June 2026 – a 32% rise. In just one year, reports increased 8%. The figures continue an alarming trend in recent years, with sexual crimes increasing 11% in the past four years and 9% just in the last 12 months, with 16,560 recorded in the year to June. The number of domestic abuse incidents reported has increased 81% in the past four years, and 19% in the past 12 months, with 3,264 reports in the year to June. Justice Secretary Neil Gray said “ultimately, men must change their behaviour”. He added: “While Scotland remains a safe place to live and recorded