'Shocking' rise in rapes and violent attacks against women in Glasgow

Glasgow City is in the midst of a “deepening crisis” around women’s safety, statistics show.

Instances of domestic abuse are up by 41% on the previous year, rapes increased by 41%, and sexual assault has risen by 28%, according to figures from the Safe Glasgow Partnership.

Glasgow Labour deputy leader Bailie Soryia Siddique said that women and girls in Glasgow are “being let down” after the latest “shocking” statistics.

“Too many are forced to change their routines, avoid certain places, or travel in fear — simply because public spaces aren’t safe,” councillor Siddique said.

The Safe Glasgow Partnership data shows 357 rape crimes were recorded during 2024-25 compared to 254 during the previous year. Domestic abuse crimes against women stand at 192 so far compared to 136 the previous year.

In light of the figures, councillor Siddique brought a motion demanding “immediate and sustained action” to tackle the “deepening crisis” around women’s safety.

“I speak from lived experience: from learning to shrink myself just to feel safe, being told to keep my voice down, to avoid eye contact, to walk quickly, never make a fuss, to blend in even when clearly every part of me stood out,” she said.

She said that, as a working-class woman of colour in Glasgow, “safety isn’t something you’re given, but something you’re expected to fight for”.

Her motion saw councillors recognise women’s safety as a “fundamental right” and agree on a set of actions to help tackle violence against women and girls in the city.

It outlined key actions, including an emergency summit on violence against women and girls, the creation of a Glasgow Women’s Safety Action Plan, a city-wide consultation, and a Women’s Safety Charter.

It also calls on the Scottish Government to provide targeted support for areas facing rising levels of violence and to back specialist units to tackle VAWG as part of the next Police Plan for Glasgow.

A healthy masculinity action plan for boys and young men will also be introduced to promote the uptake of in-school mental health services among boys.

Cllr Siddique said the motion provides “clear, practical steps” to make Glasgow safer.

“We owe it to every woman and girl in Glasgow to act — not tomorrow, but now,” she said.

Detective chief inspector Neil Guy said Police Scotland is committed to working with partners to help ensure that women and girls across Glasgow feel safe and supported in their communities.

“Any increase in the number of rapes is concerning. However, our approach to sexual crime is victim-centred, and I want to reassure anyone affected that they will be fully supported by specialist officers who will carry out a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible,” Mr Guy said.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority, and we continue to take action every day to prevent harm, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

He added that tackling domestic abuse is one of Police Scotland’s most significant priorities.

“Understanding the underlying issues and putting effective prevention strategies in place with partners is key,” he said.

Mr Guy added: “We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses unacceptable behaviour to report it to police. We remain committed to working with communities and partners to improve safety and build confidence among women and girls across Glasgow.”