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Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors
Reaching out to a helpline can be difficult for anyone, and we know that LGBTQ+ survivors can face additional barriers to support which can make reaching out that bit harder. The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline supports survivors of all genders and sexualities. Every person that contacts our helpline, regardless of their background or identity, is met with specialised support tailored to their individual needs. We're proud to be inclusive, and we want all survivors to know that our helpline is a safe space. We spoke with Annie and Rona, two Support Workers from our helpline team, to find out what they want LGBTQ+ survivors to know. How do you create a safe space for LGBTQ+ survivors?Annie: We don’t make assumptions about any survivors, and that includes assumptions about their gender and sexuality, the gender of their partner and the nature of the assault. We let survivors lead and we just ask for as much information as we need to be able to support them. Rona: We always
3 reasons why writing to our helpline might work for you
Reaching out to a helpline can be difficult. When you feel ready to take that step, there are lots of different ways to get in touch. What is the Rape Crisis Scotland helpline? We run a helpline for anyone aged 13+ affected by sexual violence, no matter what happened or how long ago. Helpline Support Workers offer initial, short-term, and crisis support, and can make referrals to your local Rape Crisis Centre for longer-term support. The helpline is open daily from 5pm - midnight, 365 days a year. We support people of all genders, and can provide support and information to family, friends and supporters too.You can contact our helpline by phone, text, email or webchat. Email and webchat support is free and texts will be charged at your normal network rate. Please note that our text number will display on your bill. 📲 07537 410 027 [our text number will display on your bill]💻 www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk [webchat]✉️ support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk Why write to
The Nationality and Borders Bill Threatens The Safety and Rights of Already Marginalised Women
The hostile environment policies of Westminster are designed to do exactly what they say on the tin; create such dangerous and inhumane conditions that migrants who are here feel pushed to leave and individuals fleeing abuse, conflict and persecution seek their right to asylum elsewhere. Repeatedly, these policies have been found to breach human and legal rights. There is already overwhelming evidence that illustrates the barriers created by these policies for migrant women who have experience domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault. These policies create conditions where many migrant women feel even more trapped in their circumstances and unable to access support. Thankfully, many organisations, in particular those focused on racially minoritised women, have repeatedly gone above and beyond to provide access to support for women experiencing these migration conditions. The Nationality and Borders Bill (currently being debated in the House of Lords) takes the current hostile
Why Scotland needs Specialist Sexual Offences Courts
We welcome the Bill’s introduction of a new court but there is more the Scottish Government could do.
Why we support single judge trials
Here’s why we support the pilot scheme and how we think it could help survivors.
Ask an Advocacy Worker
We spoke with two Jo and Dawn from RASASH to find out what Advocacy Workers want survivors to know.
"To all of the women and girls out there, I stand with you" - Reflections From A Survivor
Reflections From A Survivor
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women '21
This blog is dedicated to the women of the Survivor Reference Group who so powerfully shared their stories in the Scottish Parliament.
"It was a feeling of being exactly where I needed to be" - C's Story
A survivor's experience of reaching out for support, and her experience of advocacy support
End Not Proven
Laying out the argument to End Not Proven
Without Justice - Willow's Story
A survivor reflects on how the criminal justice system failed her (Photo credit: Zero Tolerance)
Speaking Truth To Power - The Survivor Reference Group
A blog to mark the publication of the Survivor Reference Group Initial Report.
Why we must reject anonymity for suspects in sexual offence cases
Rejecting anonymity for suspects in sexual offence cases
The Jamal decision: significant new appeal judgement on corroboration of penetration in rape cases
The Jamal decision: potential significance for corroboration in rape cases
2.8 wasted years and grief that I will carry forever
This guest blog by survivor Hannah explores the impact of the Not Proven impact.
Corroborating lack of consent in rape cases
We take a look at jury attitudes on trauma responses and how this impacts their view corroboration.
Scottish justice system places a higher value on Rolex watches than on raped women and children
This guest blog looks at survivors' access to justice relative to other crimes.
A case for human rights
In praise of the legal profession
