Recent figures show that less than 40 upskirting cases are passed to the Crown Office each year, raising concerns about reporting.
Edinburgh: So, it turns out that fewer than 40 upskirting cases make it to the Crown Office each year. Can you believe that? Since 2018, the average has been just 38 cases annually. A freedom of information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats brought this to light.
They found that between July 2018 and July 2024, there were 226 reported cases. But the numbers are still pretty low, and that’s got people worried. The party is pushing for the Scottish Government to fix any issues that might be stopping these cases from going to court.
For those who might not know, upskirting is when someone takes photos or videos under someone else’s clothing without their consent. It’s a serious invasion of privacy, and the Lib Dems are saying that the current laws have some “loopholes.” They only cover images taken for sexual gratification or to cause distress, which is a bit narrow, don’t you think?
Liam McArthur, the justice spokesman for the Lib Dems, pointed out that many women feel embarrassed about reporting these incidents. They worry that nothing will happen if they do. He’s calling on the Government to take this issue seriously because it affects the safety and dignity of women.
McArthur believes that the small number of reported cases doesn’t reflect the actual situation. Victims often feel ashamed and fear there won’t be any consequences for the offenders. He’s urging the Government to review the laws so more cases can be reported and taken seriously.
The Scottish Government has responded, saying they take all forms of abuse against women seriously and encourage victims to reach out for help. Upskirting has been illegal since 2010, and they’re always reviewing the law to make sure it works effectively.
Meanwhile, the Crown Office is committed to fairly prosecuting sexual crimes and carefully considers all reports of alleged criminal conduct. It’s a tough situation, and hopefully, more victims will feel empowered to come forward.
