News

Our statement on the community sentencing of a convicted rapist

We are shocked that the perpetrator of the rape of a 13 year old girl has not received a custodial sentence. This is an extremely serious case.

Given the gravity of this crime and the fact it was tried at the High Court, this sentence appears to us to be worryingly lenient.

Our thoughts are with the survivor of this crime.

For survivors of any sexual violence, it can be very difficult to see reports of convicted perpetrators walking free from court.

The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline is open every night from 5pm to midnight. Call 08088 01 03 02, text 07527 410 027 (our text number will display on your bill), webchat on www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Statement on Emma Ritch Clinic

We’re delighted that the Emma Ritch Clinic, a new law clinic offering independent legal advice to survivors of sexual violence, will be established at the University of Glasgow.

The clinic will work in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland and other referral organisations. We will provide more information on the referral process shortly.

The Emma Ritch Clinic will be the first of its kind in the UK and will provide independent legal advice and representation by practising Scottish solicitors, without charge. The clinic could be transformative for rape complainers seeking justice in Scotland.

A statement from Scottish civil society organisations on the UK Government’s intervention on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

This week, the UK government announced their intention to block the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which was recently passed overwhelmingly in the Scottish Parliament, from becoming law. We, the undersigned, wish to make clear our strong opposition to this intervention and to any suggestion that these reforms would have an adverse effect on the Equality Act or women’s rights.

Statement on waiting lists and the need for sustainable funding

Rape Crisis Scotland is calling for crucial funding for Rape Crisis Centres delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic to be extended.

10 centres across Scotland shared in £1,125,000 of funding to tackle waiting lists. This figure fell short of the £4,03,239 requested but made a significant impact on the support survivors were able to access during this period.

Waiting list funding enabled centres to boost staff numbers and tackle long waiting lists for support. If the waiting list funding is not extended, centres across Scotland have warned that a significant impact will be made to their ability to support survivors of sexual violence.

Some centres are already reporting long waiting lists, a situation which will worsen is funding is not extended.