Blog
The history of the Rape Crisis movement in Scotland
The Rape Crisis movement in Scotland has been working for a society free from sexual violence for over 40 years.
The Rape Crisis movement in Scotland began with a handful of women who wanted to ‘do something’. This is the spirit in which Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland delivered support to almost 10,000 survivors last year.
This International Women’s Day, we would like to pay tribute to the remarkable work done by women who have worked, volunteered, and advocated for change, within the movement over the years.
Pilot scheme for free access to court transcripts - Q&A
The Scottish Government recently announced a new pilot scheme allowing survivors of rape and serious sexual assault to apply to receive copies of transcripts from their court cases for free.
We've answered some questions you might have about the pilot and what it could mean for you.
What has been announced?
The Scottish Government has announced a funded pilot for survivors of sexual violence to access court transcripts from their cases for free. This will apply only to survivors of rape or serious sexual assault whose cases were heard in the High Court. The pilot scheme has gone live and is now open for applications.
What's it like to come for Rape Crisis support?
All survivors of sexual violence are deserving of support.
We know that deciding to reach out for support can be difficult. It’s important to know that when you’re ready to get in touch, you will be believed, respected, and supported.
Where can I get help?
The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline offers short-term confidential support. Our 17 member centres can offer support that is longer term, can be face to face and in your local area. You can find details of your nearest Rape Crisis Centre here. All Rape Crisis support is free of charge.
What's it like to be a Rape Crisis support worker?
By a support worker at Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland
"What is it like to be a support worker for a Rape Crisis Centre?"
This question filled my mind with thoughts and reflections about all the survivors we have supported, the sessions we’ve had, the calls we’ve taken, all from people who made that leap of faith into our service. The ‘we’ I’m referring to is our team at RASASH, a group of women who share the same ethos, who support one another so that they can support others.
Poverty disproportionately impacts women - we need solutions
After over a decade of austerity in the UK, the cost-of-living crisis could hardly have come at a worse time. Scotland remains an unequal country with very high levels of poverty. As an organisation that primarily serves women, we are acutely aware of the gendered impact of austerity and economic difficulties. Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland have been dealing with this impact first hand.
Women are more likely to do low-paid work, more likely to rely on public transport (the costs of which are soaring) and are more likely to struggle with high childcare costs. Women of colour, disabled women and women in other marginalised groups continue to face particular social disadvantages.
Poverty and bad quality and insecure housing and employment all create trauma and poor emotional wellbeing and contribute to a risk of gender-based violence. The cost-of-living crisis has only deepened these inequalities.
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