Sex crime figures do not tell whole story Incidents down across region but caution advised
The manager of a Perth-based service that helps survivors of sexual abuse says crime figures published this week do not represent the true picture in the region.
The Scottish Government published its ‘Recorded Crime in Scotland’ report this week, with a slight rise in crimes recorded across the nation.
However, Perth and Kinross bucked that trend, with a nine per cent decrease in crimes during 2017/18 compared with 2016/17.
That figure included a drop in sexual crimes by six per cent to 295.
But Jen Stewart, manager of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) in Perth reckons the true number is higher.
She told the PA: “Across 2017/18, RASAC P&K received 136 new referrals for support whilst experiencing a 39 per cent growth in face-to-face support compared to the previous 12 months.
“We have worked hard to develop services which can respond to the 123 per cent increase in demand that we have experienced over the last five years.
“Furthermore, we have supported more survivors than any other year with the reporting and court process through our Justice Advocacy Service.
This project alone supported 51
CI Ian Scott survivors with information, reporting and court support across 2017/18.
“We welcome the release of the latest Scottish Government crime statistics and appreciate that these represent the numbers of reported sexual offences.
“However, we remain mindful that
RASAC’s Jen Stewart these figures will not be fully indicative of the actual numbers of crimes committed.
“Although we have undoubtedly seen an increase in the number of survivors reporting to the police, 45 per cent of women and young people
Crime in Perth and Kinross
2017/18 total
Total crimes 4217 Violent crime (non sexual) 129 Sexual crimes 295 Crimes of dishonesty 2002 Fireraising/vandalism 812 Other 979 accessing our centre have made the decision not to report.
“We remain non-directive and supportive of whatever decision a survivor makes in relation to this.”
The figures showed there were 4217 crimes across Perth and Kinross during 2017/18, a decrease from nearly 4600 the year before.
In addition to these crimes, there was a further 2278 ‘miscellaneous’ offences and 4447 driving offences.
By far the highest number of crimes were crimes of dishonesty, which totalled 2002.
Perth and Kinross remains one of the safest places to live in Scotland, with 279 recorded crimes per 10,000 of the population, the ninth lowest in Scotland.
Since 2008, recorded crime has dropped by 38 per cent across the region.
Despite the figures, CI Ian Scott at Perth police HQ assured the public the force would not rest on its laurels.
He said: “I welcome any reduction in criminality across Perth and Kinross and our communities, local authority, partners and third sector all contribute to making Perthshire a great place to live, work and visit.
“I would also thank all my staff for their hard work and dedication over the last year, but acknowledge there is more work to do to support vulnerable victims and encourage them to report offences and concerns to the police.”
We have supported more survivors than any other year ... through our Justice Advocacy