This blog examines the “Deep Dive Analysis of Rape and Sexual Crime” report presented to the Policing Performance Committee on 19 March 2025. Authored by Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, the document outlines Police Scotland’s strategies for addressing sexual violence, highlighting statistical trends, trauma-informed policing, and legal reforms. While comprehensive in many respects, the report’s omission of race-related data and systemic inequities warrants critical scrutiny.
Key Findings from the Report
Rising Incidence and Vulnerable Demographics
Between April and December 2024, Police Scotland recorded 2,056 rapes, accounting for 20% of Group 2 crimes. Female victims over 16 comprised 70.2% of cases, while children aged 15 or younger accounted for 14.7%. Domestic abuse contexts dominated, with over 50% of rapes involving partners or ex-partners. These figures underscore the disproportionate impact of sexual violence on women and girls, though they notably exclude race-specific data.
Trauma-Informed Policing and Victim-Centred Practices
The report highlights Police Scotland’s adoption of trauma-informed approaches, such as the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) for forensic interviews and the Bairns’ hoose initiative, which provides holistic support to child victims. Training modules developed by NHS Education Scotland aim to equip officers with “Trauma Skilled” and “Trauma Enhanced” competencies, emphasizing psychological trauma’s impact on victim recovery.
Legal Reforms and Operational Innovations
Recent shifts in Scots law, including Lord Advocates References (2023), now permit emotional distress and de recenti statements (made shortly after incidents) to corroborate claims. These changes address historical barriers in single-complainer cases, though challenges persist in evidence gathering. The report also noted stealthing (non-consensual condom removal) as an emerging crime, with Scotland’s first conviction in 2023 and increased public awareness campaigns.
Collaboration and Feedback Mechanisms
Multi-agency partnerships with organisations like Rape Crisis Scotland and SARCS underpin Police Scotland’s response. Anonymous victim feedback and lived-experience engagement aim to refine policies, with 86% of survivors reporting positive interactions with police in 2024.
Race-Related Omissions: A Critical Gap
The report’s failure to analyse racial disparities is its most glaring limitation. While it acknowledges sexual violence’s disproportionate impact on women and girls, no data is provided on outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
1. Systemic Bias: Without race-disaggregated data, the report cannot assess whether BME survivors face barriers in reporting, investigation, or conviction rates. For instance, cultural stigma or distrust in policing may deter BME victims from seeking justice.
2. Perpetrator Demographics: The lack of race data on perpetrators obscures potential patterns, such as overrepresentation in certain crime types or underreporting by BME survivors due to fear of retaliation.
3. Resource Allocation: Are trauma-informed services equally accessible to BME communities? The report’s silence on this raises questions about equitable service delivery.
A True “Deep Dive” Would Address These Gaps
A comprehensive analysis would:
• Disaggregate data by race/ethnicity to identify disparities in reporting, charging, and conviction rates.
• Examine cultural barriers to reporting, such as language access or community-specific stigma.
• Assess policing practices for unconscious bias, particularly in stop-and-search or victim credibility assessments.
• Highlight partnerships with BME-focused organisations to address systemic trust gaps.
Structural Concerns in the Report
Strengths
• Victim-Centred Approach: Initiatives like Bairns’ hoose and trauma-informed training reflect a commitment to survivor well-being.
• Legal Progress: Reforms to corroboration rules address historical inequities in sexual violence prosecutions.
• Collaborative Governance: Partnerships with COPFS and third-sector groups demonstrate a coordinated response.
Weaknesses
1. Data Limitations: The exclusion of race and other protected characteristics undermines the report’s claim to a “deep dive.”
2. Overemphasis on Gender: While critical, focusing solely on gender ignores intersectional factors like race, disability, or socioeconomic status.
3. Under-Reported Trends: The report acknowledges under-reporting but fails to explore why BME communities might hesitate to engage with policing services.
Reflection
The report underscores Police Scotland’s progress in addressing sexual violence through victim-centred strategies and legal reforms. However, its silence on racial disparities renders it incomplete. A true deep dive would interrogate how race intersects with gender-based violence, ensuring equitable outcomes for all communities. Without this analysis, systemic inequities risk being perpetuated, undermining efforts to build trust and accountability in policing.
To move forward, Police Scotland must prioritise inclusive data collection and community-led initiatives tailored to Protected Characteristic groups. Only then can the service claim to deliver justice that reflects Scotland’s diverse population.
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