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When we talk about sexual violence, we must remember that survivors are in the room.
'When you say “I’m a survivor” everybody just stops in their tracks and doesn't know how to communicate with you. They could have known you for like, months and months and had great conversations but the minute you mentioned that it's like “oh, how do I talk to you?” I think that's down to the media because we aren't having that proper conversation.’
This comes from Lisa, a member of the Survivor Reference Group (SRG). The SRG is a diverse participation group of over 50 survivors from across Scotland who advocate powerfully for change, drawing on their lived experience with individuals and institutions to improve responses to sexual violence.
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.
Artemisia Gentileschi: transcendent survivor
Bridgeton lived up to its name last week as a unique presence took up temporary residence in one of its most treasured institutions, bringing together as she did so the culture of 17th century Italy with contemporary Scotland.
Since her painting ‘Self-portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria’ went on display last Wednesday, Artemisia Gentileschi has cast her quiet glance over the many visitors who have stopped by the Glasgow Women’s Library to see what all the fuss is about, and has generated many discussions about the significance of that glance, and much else.
Corroborating lack of consent in rape cases
At Rape Crisis Scotland, we know that many people freeze during a traumatic experience such a rape meaning that there is often little or no physical injury.
The Lord Advocate’s Reference in 2001 clarified that force was not required to prove rape (it also removed the peculiar anomaly that someone who was sleeping couldn’t be raped and would instead be prosecuted for clandestine injury). However, in a legal jurisdiction which requires corroboration of the key elements of a crime, there can be significant challenges in proving lack of consent in rape cases.
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