Blog
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 environment policies to a whole new level, allowing unprecedented power to the Home Office and embedding bigotry into law. The UNHRC has given a damning response to the proposed asylum processes, stating; “UNHCR believes the UK’s Nationality and Borders Bill would penalise most refugees seeking asylum in the country, creating an asylum model that undermines established international refugee protection rules and practices.”
On Progress And Hope
When Raith Rovers FC broke the news at 10.30pm last Monday night that they had just signed a rapist we were quite sure they hoped this fact would pass unnoticed.
Fortunately, they misjudged Raith Rovers FC fans, sponsors, staff, volunteers and the Scottish public. They underestimated the hurt and anger that they would cause, and the strong belief that people should be held accountable for their actions, and not placed in positions where they might be celebrated as heroes, role models for younger generations to look up to.
So often we speak of the challenges that survivors experience, and the attitudes that stop people from being able to get support and justice.
Raith Rovers FC’s initial response to the backlash was disgraceful. They claimed that first and foremost this was a ‘football related decision’ as though you can separate a man, his actions, and his refusal to accept any responsibility or show any remorse from his ability to kick a ball.
But despite this today is a day to speak about progress. Because although the messy events of this week have been difficult – in particular for survivors - the fury that met the management of Raith Rovers FC, and the fact that fans and the public made it an absolute no go for them to continue Goodwillie’s contract, is extraordinary. There are no doubt unanswered questions and concerns now that Raith Rovers FC have u-turned, but those who fought this and put principle before personal interest should be proud.
Reflections on Masculinity and Mental Health
When my son, Robin, was 1 and a half, he had an accident. He fell out of his pram and bumped his head. It wasn’t anything serious; he got an egg on his head and a bit of bruising. The guilt I felt in that moment however was instantaneous and significant. I don’t doubt any parent probably would have felt my exact level of guilt and their inevitable response would be to hug their child and shed some tears alongside them.
That wasn’t my reaction. Yes, I absolutely wanted to express my emotions. I wanted to cry. I held my son as he wept but no tears came to me.
"Schools Are Key": A Young Person's Call for Preventative Action in Schools
A phrase I often like to use is that schools are breeding grounds for the likes of bullying, but this also rings true for gender-based violence.
While schools and many of their teachers attempt to learn, understand and teach the importance of prevention of gender-based violence, it is simply not enough if each institution has educators who sit on the side-lines when it comes to this specific topic.
Having passed through school encountering a male class teacher almost encouraging sexist and very backwards views of women, I feel confident in saying that this kind of behaviour can be found in other schools across the country.
"To all of the women and girls out there, I stand with you" - Reflections From A Survivor
"My journey to speak with the Justice Committee yesterday has been a long and tiresome one.
It was clear to me as soon as the opportunity arose through Rape Crisis Scotland that I needed to be involved. In a previous life, I have been known for my clarity of thought, my influencing powers and calmness under pressure. However, in this chapter that I find myself, with this version of myself, I knew that I could not have a professional air as I described my experience of the Scottish Justice System so far.
RSS
