Almost a third of rape and sexual assault victims in Perth and Kinross last year were children, with 29% of survivors who engaged with local support services under the age of 13 when their abuse began. These alarming statistics were shared with councillors during a committee meeting on November 27. According to a police update provided to Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, 53 out of 162 individuals who reported sexual assaults or rapes between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, were under the age of 16, comprising 44 girls and nine boys.
Perth City South councillor Sheila McCole expressed her shock at the figures and Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell provided insights into the reasons behind the high percentage of underage victims. Russell explained that victims under the age of 16 are deemed unable to consent, making such cases classified as rape. She highlighted the importance of young women and girls feeling more empowered to report such offences to the police and emphasized ongoing efforts to work with partners on education and support for young victims of sexual crimes.
Subsequently, a report presented to the committee by Violence Against Women and Girls coordinator Jennifer Middlemiss revealed that 29% of survivors who engaged with Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) Perth and Kinross were under 13 when their abuse started. Middlemiss noted that over half of these survivors had never disclosed their abuse to anyone, underscoring the need for continued support and awareness.
Councillor McCole inquired about the coordination between the work of Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership and police initiatives in schools regarding consent education. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is currently ongoing in Perth and Kinross, showcasing efforts to address and raise awareness about such critical issues. RASAC’s involvement in delivering sessions to schools and the development of a gender-based violence strategy were also highlighted as part of the broader effort to combat sexual violence.
The services provided by RASAC were commended for their value and positive impact on survivors feeling empowered to report instances of abuse. The increase in reporting signifies progress in destigmatizing sexual crimes and enhancing support systems for victims in Perth and Kinross.
In conclusion, the revelations of children being involved in a significant proportion of sex crimes in Perth and Kinross highlight the urgent need for continued education, support, and awareness to protect vulnerable individuals and combat sexual violence effectively. The collaborative efforts of various agencies and organisations in addressing these issues are crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community, especially young victims who may be hesitant to come forward.