Sexual violence in Scotland: Nearly half of reported rapes involve partner or ex-partner, Police Scotland data reveals

Almost 50% of rapes reported to police in Scotland involved the partner or ex-partner of the victim, according to new statistics as Rape Crisis Scotland claims it is ‘far more common’ for people to be raped by someone they know instead of a stranger.

Nearly half of the reported rapes in Scotland involve partner or ex-partner according to Police Scotland data and Rape Crisis Scotland claim this is common' in survivors who use their service (Tumisu/ Pixabay).

Police Scotland data showed that from April 1 2020 to January 31 2021, 46% of reported rapes were linked to existing or former relationships.

While there was a decrease of 7.1% in reported rapes from April to January 2020/21 compared to 2019/20, police say that all forms of sexual crime continued to be under-reported.

Police Scotland are launching their Get Consent campaign, which aims to spread the message that all sex without consent is rape - including within a relationship.

The campaign builds on Police Scotland's focus on preventing rape and reinforcing the need for consent in all relationships.

Judi Heaton, Assistant Chief Constable said: "Almost half of rapes reported to us are perpetrated within a relationship or by an ex-partner.

"I cannot be clearer on this, being in a relationship does not give anyone the right to sex.

"Sex without consent is rape - no justifications, no excuses.

"Our campaign focuses on rape within relationships and seeks to tackle these issues head on.

"Our primary aim has to be to prevent rape and sexual crime.

"Our message to perpetrators and those at risk of offending is: no-one is entitled to sex. Sex without consent is rape - so make sure you get consent."

The news comes as Rape Crisis Scotland claims that around half of the survivors in contact with rape crisis services in Scotland have not reported what happened to them to the police.

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland said: “People still sometimes think of a stranger in an alley way when they think about rape, and this does happen, but it is rare.

"It is far more common for people to be raped by someone they know, and this is often a partner or ex partner.

“Being raped by someone you know is just as serious as being raped by a stranger.”

Rape Crisis Scotland's national helpline is available on 08088 01 03 02 every day from 6pm until midnight for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened.

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