Doubling of reports on rape a ‘positive’ reflection on policing

Soaring figures are shown in new report

The number of reported rapes in Fife has more than doubled in the past decade.

A new report shows instances of rape and attempted rape in the region have soared from 99 in 2007-08 to 214 in 2017-18 – a 116.2% rise.

Police Scotland said the figures were a “positive reflection” of how sexual crime is investigated in Fife and how closely officers are working with partners to support victims.

A total of 84 of the 214 reports made last year referred to an incident that was alleged to have happened in that 12-month period, up from 64 in 2016-17 and 54 in 2007-08.

The figures are detailed in a report to Fife’s environment, protective services and community safety committee.

Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan told councillors: “What this report hopes to highlight is that Police Scotland are committed to tackling serious violence and rape, dedicate significant resource to this and engage fully with partners.

“Unfortunately, these types of offences continue to be reported – however, Fife Division of Police Scotland is better prepared than policing has ever been within the kingdom to provide a robust professional investigation, support victims and ultimately bring those responsible for such despicable acts to justice.”

Mr McEwan said high-profile cases in recent years had led to a rise in “nonrecent” incidents – instances that are more than a year old – coming to light.

More than half – 130 – of the 214 instances in 2017-18 were classed as non-recent, compared to 137 of the 201 recorded in 2017-17 and 45 of the 99 reported in 2007-08.

Mr McEwan added work with partner agencies, such as Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid, White Ribbon and locally at Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (FRASAC), was helping to raise awareness and challenge public attitudes and behaviour in order to prevent sexual offending.

“The way we support victims is far better than it ever has been,” he said.

“We will ensure that victims are supported and that offenders are brought to justice.”

The report also revealed overall violent crime in Fife reduced over the decade, from 5,733 instances in 2007-08 to 4,620 in 2017-18.

That includes crimes of murder, culpable homicide, attempted murder, serious assault, robbery and assault with intent to rob, cruel and unnatural treatment of children, threats and extortion.

We will ensure that victims are supported and that offenders are brought to justice. CH SUPT DEREK MCEWAN