More victims coming forward a factor in rising sexual crimes

Reports of overall sex offences increased by 7.3% compared to last year

A jump in sexual crimes in Perth and Kinross has been attributed to more people coming forward to report crimes.

In the last three months, reports of overall sexual crime has increased by 7.3%, compared to the same period last year.

The considerable rise in detection rates for rapes and sexual assaults has contributed to an overall detection rate of 73.4%, according to police.

An increase in victims reporting sexual assaults may be one factor behind this increase, Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and communities committee was told yesterday.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said months or years after an attack, people may decide to open up about being a victim of a sexual crime.

He said: “This may be to do with high profile cases in the media.”

Perth and Kinross has a particularly high reporting rate for crimes reported more than a year after they took place.

Ch Insp Scott highlighted the challenges of these crimes.

He said: “We do have a significant challenge in relation to forensic evidence.”

The lack of potential witnesses is another challenge that may arise from non-recent crimes.

However, he added that the right thing to do is to support victims whenever they decide to report a crime.

He said: “It is about supporting the victims and their journey in reporting (assaults).”

But in a move that may assist in dealing with the challenge of lack of forensic evidence, a new forensic examination suite was opened in Dundee on April 1. This aims to cater for adult victims of sexual assault across Tayside.

This provides victims of sexual assault with a safe place to go for forensic examination and support. It also contains an anonymous referral option.

Similar services for child victims are also provided at existing centres.

While there are no identifiable patterns of sexual offending, most crimes of this nature occur in situations where the victim and offender know each other.

Support is available via the organisation’s helpline, 01738 630965.

It is about supporting the victims and their journey in reporting (assaults). CHIEF INSPECTOR IAN SCOTT