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the abuse Feeling trapped, silenced, lonely and powerless Short and long-term physical and mental health problems Sleep disturbance, nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, feeling disconnected Anxiety, anger, depression, aggression Unhealthy ways

the abuse Feeling trapped, silenced, lonely and powerless Short and long-term physical and mental health problems Sleep disturbance, nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, feeling disconnected Anxiety, anger, depression, aggression Unhealthy ways

and sexual assault exists we silence survivors, give tacit permission for these crimes to continue and minimise the devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families. When I took up the support and development post for the new Orkney

covered with secrecy and silence. Victims of sexual assault often feel ashamed and do not have the courage or strength to seek help. On the other hand, many professional helpers also feel that they do not possess the skills or knowledge

with them, even if in silence. Some survivors described feeling still drunk or hungover, or in a state of considerable distress at the time of giving the statement without being given adequate breaks and time to rest. To then have to recall

This letter to Rape Crisis Scotland is shared - with the consent of the author - in the hope it may encourage others to reach out for support.

lines too. A culture of silence enables abuse to thrive and protects perpetrators: this is a fact. There are fewer services on the ground in these places, there are often great distances to travel to reach the services which do exist, and

A survivor reflects on how the criminal justice system failed her (Photo credit: Zero Tolerance)

16 Pounds for 16 Days

figure. Others were silenced by fear of repercussions. It was our hope, as individuals, that through coming forward at this time we could achieve justice and enact change. We remain firm in our belief that coming forward to report