The number of rapes, attempted rapes and domestic abuse cases reported to police are at their highest levels on record – with more than a third (37%) of sexual assault victims under the age of 18.

New figures reveal Police Scotland recorded 2,529 rapes and attempted rapes in the 2022-23 period, accounting for 17% of all sexual crimes.

Domestic abuse is also at the highest level since new legislation came into force in 2019.

There were 1,781 crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act in 2022-23, a 1% increase compared to 2021-22.

Sexual crimes accounted for 5% of all crimes recorded in Scotland, and overall there was a 3% decrease in 2022-23.

Crimes of sexual assault fell from 5,359 in 2021-22 to 5,282 in 2022-23.

The annual Recorded Crime in Scotland report published on Tuesday shows a 1% increase in crime reported to police in Scotland overall, from 286,464 offences in 2021/22 to 289,352 in 2022-23.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters