In Latvia, according to the National Police data, the year 2022 recorded a significant increase in sexual crimes with a total of 1002 offenses reported, marking an increase of 184 cases compared to the previous year. Among the victims, the youngest was a three-year-old child, while the oldest was a 101-year-old woman, highlighting the disturbing range of ages affected by such crimes. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in the circulation of pornographic material, with 344 cases reported in 2022, up by 190 from the previous year.

The demographics of the victims present alarming statistics, with 82% of those affected being women and 81% being minors, with an average age of 17 years among victims. Most cases (71%) involved victims who knew their assailants beforehand; these included acquaintances or friends in 58% of cases, showing a concerning trend of familial or closely related perpetrators. The perpetrators themselves varied greatly in age, from as young as 6 to as old as 80, but the average age was 35, with men constituting 93% of offenders.

This increase in reported crimes raises significant concerns for the Latvian society, particularly related to the protection of vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Authorities may need to reevaluate and strengthen laws and preventative measures to combat this alarming trend, emphasizing the need for community awareness and education surrounding sexual offenses, as well as providing support for victims of such crimes.