EU sexual violence and rape offences up in last 10 years

In 2024, police recorded 256 302 sexual violence offences in the EU, among which 98 190 (38% of the total) were rape offences. Compared with 2023, sexual violence offences increased by 5% (+12 097 cases) and rape by 7% (+6 291). 

Data show an upward trend in both types of offences over the last decade. Between 2014 and 2024, sexual violence offences jumped by 94% (+124 350 cases) and rape offences by 150% (+58 983). During this period, sexual violence offences increased continuously by nearly 10% annually on average, and rape offences by 7%. 

The increased number of police-recorded sexual violence offences may be linked to rising awareness in society, which impacts reporting rates.

Source dataset: crim_off_cat

Homicides down since 2014

In 2024, there were 3 953 intentional homicides in the EU, showing a small 1% increase (+56 police-recorded offences) compared with 2023. On the other hand, compared with 2014 (4 448 intentional homicides), there was a 11% decrease in such offences.

Between 2014 and 2024, the number of intentional homicides fluctuated, reaching the highest value in 2015, with 4 616 reported offences. From 2016 onwards, there was a downward trend, with offences falling to 3 735 in 2019. In 2020, this decline paused and homicides rose slightly to 3 820, before dropping again to the lowest point in the series in 2021 (3 645). After 2021, the pattern reversed, with offences increasing each year from 2022 (3 838) to 2023 (3 897) and 2024 (3 953). Even with this recent rise, the 2024 level remains below the mid-decade peak (about 14% lower than in 2015). 

Source dataset: crim_off_cat