What its response is to the number of recorded sexual crimes having almost doubled since 2012, as set out in the publication, Recorded Crim…

The increase in recorded sexual offences is not unique to Scotland but is part of a global trend. Multiple factors appear to have contributed to this rise including increased reporting of historical offences. Some of this increase is also attributable to greater recognition of online sexual offending driven in part by action we have taken to outlaw new forms of harmful sexual behaviour such as non-consensual disclosure of an intimate image or film.
We will continue to prioritise support for victims of sexual crime, as well as work to identify ways to prevent such offending through the implementation of our Equally Safe strategy. We recognise that sexual offences are particularly traumatising for victims and have invested significantly to improve support for survivors. That is why our Delivering Equally Safe fund is providing approximately £9.5m in funding to support survivors of rape and sexual assault and we are also investing an extra £6m over the next three years in Rape Crisis Scotland’s National Advocacy Project to fund a key support worker in every centre in Scotland.
We know that there is more we can do to ensure that Scotland’s justice system is one in which the victims of serious sexual offences can have confidence. We are considering the recommendations made by the Lady Dorrian Review into improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases and, through our recent Consultation and cross-sector engagement, are exploring in detail if and how these recommendations can be implemented.