A high-ranking police official has indicated that the 1,400 rape allegations reported in Scotland over six months this year likely only represent "the tip of the iceberg." From April to September,
Police Scotland recorded a 19.5% increase in cases compared to the same period last year.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson noted that this rise might reflect greater confidence among victims in reporting sexual offenses. Police Scotland shared the data as it launched a new phase of the "THAT GUY" social media campaign, which aims to prevent sexual violence by encouraging men to reflect on and change harmful behaviors.
THAT GUY Campaign: Shifting Attitudes to Prevent Offenses
The THAT GUY campaign, running since 2021, targets men aged 18-35, the demographic most commonly convicted of sexual crimes. Featuring impactful visuals and a video of a young man in a white T-shirt and grey hoodie, the campaign’s message encourages men to examine and challenge inappropriate behavior among peers.
Of the incidents reported between April and September, 850 occurred within the previous year, while 550 dated back more than a year. ACC Johnson acknowledged the likelihood that the reported crimes reflect only a fraction of actual incidents, emphasizing, "If we listen to victims and survivors, we know it often takes time for people to come forward."
Campaigners Support Efforts to Address Male Behavior
Praising the campaign, ACC Johnson explained the focus on addressing a "continuum of behavior" from low-level "banter" to serious sexual offenses. "This campaign is about saying you can break this. Change your own behavior and challenge the behavior of your peers," he said.
Scotland, like other parts of the UK, sees a low rate of rape allegations reaching court, with a conviction rate significantly below other crimes. ACC Johnson anticipates that body-worn cameras, set to be introduced for frontline officers next year, will enhance evidence collection, helping victims feel more comfortable reporting offenses.
Broadening the Conversation: New Podcast Series
The latest phase of the THAT GUY campaign includes a podcast series hosted by writer and broadcaster Alistair Heather. It features five candid conversations that address attitudes and behaviors that increase women’s risk of sexual violence, encouraging men to speak out and intervene.
Ongoing Underreporting and Rising Concerns
Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, highlighted the notable rise in reported rapes, acknowledging the complexities behind the increase. "Rape is an underreported crime," Brindley said, adding that while greater reporting confidence may play a role, some of the increase could reflect a genuine rise in occurrences. Photo by Edward Orde, Wikimedia commons.