Shock as kids involved in almost a third of sex crimes in Perth and Kinross last year

In Perth and Kinross, an alarming report has surfaced showing that nearly a third of the victims of rape and sexual assault in the region last year were children. According to a police update presented to the Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, 53 out of the 162 individuals who reported such heinous crimes between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, were under the age of 16. These young victims included 44 girls and nine boys, painting a distressing picture of abuse within the community.

During a recent committee meeting on November 27, Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell shed some light on the high percentage of underage victims, attributing it partly to cases of underage sex. She explained that individuals under the age of 16 are unable to legally consent to sexual activity, which automatically categorises such incidents as rape. Despite this, she noted a positive trend of more young women and girls feeling empowered to report these offences to the authorities.

Furthermore, a subsequent report to the committee by Violence Against Women and Girls coordinator Jennifer Middlemiss revealed that a significant portion of survivors who sought help from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) in Perth and Kinross last year were under 13 years old when their abuse began. Shockingly, more than half of these survivors had never disclosed their abuse to anyone, highlighting the magnitude of the issue and the need for better support services and education on consent.

Jennifer Middlemiss highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to tackle gender-based violence, particularly within schools, where RASAC conducted 1,700 sessions last year. As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign unfolds in Perth and Kinross, authorities are striving to raise awareness and provide resources to protect vulnerable individuals from such abuses.

As the community grapples with these concerning revelations, it is evident that a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, support services, and education is crucial to addressing and preventing sexual crimes, especially those involving children and young people.

In conclusion, the harrowing statistics unveiled in Perth and Kinross serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals, empower survivors, and educate the community on the importance of consent and safeguarding against sexual violence. Only through collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment can we strive to create a safer and more supportive environment for all members of society, especially our children and young people.