News
Our initial response to proposed criminal justice reforms
Today the Scottish Government published the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This is a potentially transformative bill which could significantly improve the experience of survivors of sexual violence.
Survivors across Scotland have campaigned tirelessly to highlight the injustices of the current legal process and have played a crucial role in making the case for change.
New figures on court delays in Scotland
Nobody should have to wait four years for justice.
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.
RSS
