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Walking The Tightrope - Sexualisation, Sexual Exploitation & Young People's Relationships Conference
Research on Stalking at Glasgow Caledonian University
Despite the fact that new legislation was brought in at the end of 2010 naming stalking as a crime, little is known about the nature and prevalence of stalking in Scotland.
Men and women may be stalked by acquaintances, colleagues and clients, family members and even strangers
Regardless of who the stalker is, the true impact on victims is often hidden because individual incidents that contribute to the experience of stalking may be so subtle and personalised it is difficult for a victim to talk about it. Their meaning and effect, however, can be devastating and, even if significant periods of time lapse between each incident, fear and anxiety can be ever present.
Glasgow Caledonian University is conducting research to find out more about the experiences of victims and the true impact stalking has on their lives. This will help to develop and improve services for men and women who are victimised. If you are being or have been stalked by someone you know or a stranger we would like to talk to you confidentially about your experience.
If you would like to find out more about the research and/or the possibility of taking part please contact Katy on 07749323262 or e-mail her at katy2012@gcu.ac.uk. Alternatively you can find out more and take part in our online survey at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/issjr/researchgroups/violencecrimeandjustice/postgraduateresearchers/researchsurvey/
Scottish Government publishes Bill to remove requirement for corroboration
Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes Scottish Government plans to drop the requirement for corroboration, but warns that with the proposed increase in the jury majority, action must be taken to reduce the role that misinformation and prejudice may play in jury decision-making.
You can download the full statement from Rape Crisis Scotland here.
16% rise in reported rapes in Scotland
The Scottish Government today published crime figures for 2012-13.
The new figures demonstrate a significant rise in the level of sexual crime reported to the police, with 16% more rapes reported in the past year. While any increase of this size is worrying, it is hard to tell if the increase is due to the fact more rapes are taking place or because more survivors feel able to report what has happened to them. The police have taken considerable steps in recent years to improve people’s confidence that if they do report a sexual crime, they will be treated well and with sensitivity. It is likely that at least some of the increase in reported rapes is due to more people feeling able to come forward and speak to the police about what has happened to them.
You can see the full report "Recorded Crime in Scotland" here, and coverage in the Daily Record ("Scottish crime rate falls to lowest level on 39 years but concern voiced over rise in the number of rapes") here.
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
