New figures from the Scottish Government indicate a 10 per cent increase in recorded sexual crimes across Scotland over the past year. The statistics show a rise from 14,539 to 16,029 incidents, contributing to an overall three per cent increase in reported crime nationally.
Specific categories of sexual offences have seen notable surges. Rape and attempted rape incidents climbed by 12 per cent compared to the previous year, moving from 2,785 to 3,118 reported crimes. This category had already experienced a 26 per cent rise from the year ending December 2021.
Sexual assault reports increased by five per cent, from 4,950 to 5,201 crimes. Additionally, crimes involving threatening to or disclosing intimate images rose by 16 per cent. The reporting of indecent photos of children saw a 20 per cent increase over the last year, from 797 to 959 crimes, marking a 48 per cent rise since December 2021.
Domestic abuse also registered a significant increase, with a 25 per cent rise from 2,409 to 3,009 crimes in 2025. This figure stands 75 per cent higher than the number recorded in 2021.
Glasgow has been particularly affected by these trends. Reports indicate a 40 per cent increase in rapes within the city over the last year. Domestic abuse crimes against women in Glasgow also rose by 41 per cent in 2025.
On average, a sexual crime was reported every two hours in Glasgow, according to data obtained last year. City councillor Soryia Siddique described the trend as “alarming” and called for an emergency summit in June last year to address the growing concerns.
The human impact of these statistics is profound. An army veteran from Glasgow, identified as JJ*, bravely shared her experience following a sexual assault. She stated:
He will haunt me for the rest of my life. I feel like I can’t even smile at people anymore without men thinking that I’m coming on to them. I was quite an outgoing person, but I’m scared to smile or say thank thank you in case that makes another man think it’s okay to attack me.
Numerous women have also come forward to report experiences of being followed, harassed, and assaulted. Many have expressed increasing fear and anxiety about navigating what they perceive as unsafe streets.
Police Scotland has affirmed its commitment to tackling such crimes. Superintendent John Menzies commented on the force’s dedication, stating:
Police Scotland is committed to tackling gender-based violence and abuse. We will continue to work together with our partners to drive the change needed to build a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment. I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to officers. All reports will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and you will be supported throughout.
Beyond sexual offences, the data also highlighted increases in other crime categories across Scotland. These included a rise in assaults, shoplifting incidents, fire-raising, and drug dealing offences.
The Scottish Government continues to monitor these trends and work with authorities. For more information on police efforts to combat crime, visit Police Scotland.
Source: Glasgow Live
