Rape convictions surge to record high, figures reveal

Convictions for rape and attempted rape have reached record highs in Scotland, figures show.

There were 221 convictions for rape and attempted rape in 2023-24 – up 19% from 186 the year before and an all-time high among comparable records from 1989.

Convictions under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act also rose 19% from 756 in 2022-23 to 897 last year – a record high since the introduction of the Act.

However, the number of people convicted of a crime with a statutory domestic abuse aggravation fell by 4% to 7,936 in the same time, the figures published by the chief statistician showed.

Overall, the total number of prosecutions in Scotland last year decreased by 7% to 73,224. Of these, 63,486 were convicted with at least one charge – also a decrease of 7%.

The Scottish Government said the overall decrease masked an increase in prosecutions for more serious offending that is “generally more complex and takes longer to conclude in court”.

It added that due to the impact of the pandemic “2020-21 onwards should not be considered indicative of longer-term trends”.

Between 2022-23 and 2023-24, there was a 14% fall in conditions classified as offences, which are generally less serious.

At the same time, those classified as crimes, which are generally more serious, increased by 1%. This includes convictions for non-sexual crimes of violence, which rose 4%, and sexual crimes, which rose 12%.

The number of criminals receiving prison sentences jumped by 13% last year to 10,094.

The figure coincides with the overcrowding of prisons, prompting ministers to draw up plans to release nearly 1,000 inmates by April – more than 10% of the prison population of around 8,441.

Custodial sentences represented 16% of sentences imposed for all convictions in 2023-24, the second highest proportion in the 10-year span.

The average length of a custodial sentence, excluding life and indeterminate sentences, was 393 days in 2023-24 – 2% longer than the year prior.

In 2023-24, a quarter (15,870) of people convicted were given a community sentence.

Meanwhile, 27,067 bail orders were made last year. This was an increase of 2% from 2022-23 (26,552).

Tory MSP Liam Kerr said the figures confirmed “another abject surrender to criminals by the SNP”.

He said: “Their relentless weakening of Scotland’s justice system means far too many violent criminals are not going to jail.

“Those committing sexual offences and domestic abuse are also escaping proper punishment which is an appalling betrayal of brave victims.

“Along with fewer offenders going to prison, the SNP are recklessly releasing more of them early despite the justice secretary accepting this would cause anxiety to victims.

“The SNP need to ditch their soft-touch justice approach and show some common sense to guarantee convicted criminals will feel the full force of the law.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “It is clear from our prisons that we have the highest prison population in over a decade, with more people in prison receiving longer sentences for offences like rape and domestic abuse.

“These statistics also show more victims are able to access justice, including rape victims, with the number of convictions the highest on record.

“We have been consistently clear that any instance of violence and abuse is one too many, and where it does occur, victims are seeing perpetrators dealt with by the courts using their extensive powers.

“Our action to tackle sexual offending includes increasing confidence in the justice system so more victims come forward and improving support for victims. This year we are investing £4.2 billion across the justice system, including a record £1.64 billion for policing – an increase of £90 million on 2024-25.”