News
Corroboration debate - please lobby your MSP
If you are passionate about making real change that could benefit survivors of sexual violence, please join Rape Crisis Scotland in our appeal to MSPs to support the proposal to remove the current requirement for corroboration in Scotland.
The Stage 1 debate on this issue will take place next Thursday (27th February) in the afternoon. By contacting your MSP in advance of the debate and asking him to represent your views, and the interests of survivors, you will be taking a valuable step towards helping survivors obtain the access justice to which many are currently denied.
You can find more information on this issue here and here.
Next Tuesday (25th February) Rape Crisis Scotland will publish a very detailed briefing responding to many of the key questions which have arisen in the course of the debate around this issue.
It's important that MSPs receive as many individual responses as possible, and if you're writing that you highlight why you think this issue is important and why it matters to you. You can also download a template letter for guidance here, and you can find out who your MSP is and how to contact her/him here.
Interim Service for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Highlands
Following the closure of the Rape and Abuse Line in the Highlands, Rape Crisis Scotland is working with The Highland Violence Against Women Partnership and the Scottish Government in developing plans to establish a new, stand alone, Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse service in Highland within the next 12 months.
While this new service is being developed and established we have developed a partnership between local services and the national Rape Crisis Scotland helpline to ensure that survivors in Highland can get support. This includes telephone, email and face to face support.
The national Rape Crisis Helpline will provide short term and crisis support by phone and email, act as a sign post to local services in Highland for survivors, and will also be able to provide longer term telephone and email support to those living in Highland affected by the issues. The helpline number is 08088 01 03 02 and is open daily from 6pm – midnight.
If you have any questions on this interim arrangement, please get in touch with sandie.barton@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.
New Online Safety resources from Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland has produced a range of new resources to help people to stay safe online.
Justice Committee fails to stand up for survivors of sexual violence
New Rape Crisis Advocacy Project
Rape Crisis Scotland is delighted to announce the launch of an innovative pilot project in conjunction with Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre and Police Scotland.
The Advocacy Project is funded by the Scottish Government and went live on Monday 16th December, offering 24 hour on-call advocacy support to women and men reporting rape in Glasgow.
The advocacy project will ensure that survivors of rape reporting within ‘G division’ are able to access specialised on call support from experienced workers of Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre. Access to early support and information will help survivors of rape, accessing the pilot, to feel more informed about the legal process as well as linking them into on-going support available at both Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre and the Archway sexual assault referral centre.
Louise Raphael of Police Scotland commented that “this project is a step in the right direction ensuring victims are supported right from the very start of reporting to the police.” A sentiment echoed by Isabelle Kerr, Manager of Glasgow Rape Crisis who welcomes this initiative saying “GRCC is really keen to be offering support services to survivors right at the beginning of the criminal justice process.”
RSSLatest posts
- Sex crimes in Scotland reach second-highest level in 54 years
- RCS calls for the Scottish Government and MSPs to work together to introduce key legislation for survivors of sexual crime
- Changes announced by the Sottish Government to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill
- Landmark judgment on corroboration in sexual offence cases
- New figures show a significant rise in number of reported rapes in Scotland
