3 days ago
Glasgow Times investigates women's safety in our new series
Recent government figures show reports of rape and attempted rape in Glasgow has gone up from 243 incidents in 2015 to 494 incidents in 2024/ 2025 showing a 103% rise.
The Scottish increase for the same period is 60%.
In the same period, reports of sexual assault have gone up from 619 to 800.
British Transport Police meanwhile have also reported an increase in incidents of Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls (VIAWG).
Between January 1 and July 31 2024, there were 47 incidents in Glasgow, while for the same period this year there have been 50 incidents.
While this paints a concerning picture, we have spoken to Police Scotland and British Transport Police to put these figures into context and explain the rise, while also finding out what is being done to tackle it.
We have also spoken to police about whether there possible is misinformation being spread on social media, creating an idea that Glasgow is less safe for women and girls than it really is.
It comes after there was a rise in social media posts earlier this year about women being following in the city, but do police stats support this?
We have spoken to Govan Law Centre who have asked Glasgow City Council to reconsider allowing a women-only taxi firm to be licensed while a victim who was sexually assaulted by a taxi driver has spoke to us about why they think one should be allowed.
The Glasgow Times has also spoken to a organisations helping women to feel empowered and safe in the city, including one which runs women's only self defence classes.
