CONVICTIONS for rape and domestic violence have reached record highs, according to Scottish government figures released today.

After two years of falling criminal prosecutions and convictions – 7 per cent between 2022-24 – convictions for rape and attempted rape grew by 19 per cent in year to 2023-24 to 221, the highest since compatible records began in 1989.

In the same period, convictions under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act also rose by 19 per cent, the highest since it came into force.

Welcoming the figures, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “These statistics also show more victims are able to access justice, including rape victims, with the number of convictions the highest on record.”

Cautioning that data remained unclear on how many reports of rapes and sexual offences failed to make it to court, Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley said: “These figures represent a significant step in the right direction for survivors of rape and sexual violence, with a rise in convictions and an increase in the number of cases making it as far as court.

“However, we are seeing record levels of sexual violence in Scotland, and survivors of rape still face enormous barriers to justice. 

“Even after today, the conviction rate for rape and attempted rape – closely followed by convictions for sexual assault – remain the lowest of any crime type. 

“Many survivors are forced to live in limbo for years as they wait to navigate the courts system in the hope of seeing justice.

“While these figures mark an important step forward, we need to keep going. They should highlight how long it’s taken us to get this far and serve as an important reminder of just how much further there is to go.”