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Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors
Reaching out to a helpline can be difficult for anyone, and we know that LGBTQ+ survivors can face additional barriers to support which can make reaching out that bit harder. The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline supports survivors of all genders and sexualities. Every person that contacts our helpline, regardless of their background or identity, is met with specialised support tailored to their individual needs. We're proud to be inclusive, and we want all survivors to know that our helpline is a safe space. We spoke with Annie and Rona, two Support Workers from our helpline team, to find out what they want LGBTQ+ survivors to know. How do you create a safe space for LGBTQ+ survivors?Annie: We don’t make assumptions about any survivors, and that includes assumptions about their gender and sexuality, the gender of their partner and the nature of the assault. We let survivors lead and we just ask for as much information as we need to be able to support them. Rona: We always
3 reasons why writing to our helpline might work for you
Reaching out to a helpline can be difficult. When you feel ready to take that step, there are lots of different ways to get in touch. What is the Rape Crisis Scotland helpline? We run a helpline for anyone aged 13+ affected by sexual violence, no matter what happened or how long ago. Helpline Support Workers offer initial, short-term, and crisis support, and can make referrals to your local Rape Crisis Centre for longer-term support. The helpline is open daily from 5pm - midnight, 365 days a year. We support people of all genders, and can provide support and information to family, friends and supporters too.You can contact our helpline by phone, text, email or webchat. Email and webchat support is free and texts will be charged at your normal network rate. Please note that our text number will display on your bill. 📲 07537 410 027 [our text number will display on your bill]💻 www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk [webchat]✉ï¸
The Nationality and Borders Bill Threatens The Safety and Rights of Already Marginalised Women
The hostile environment policies of Westminster are designed to do exactly what they say on the tin; create such dangerous and inhumane conditions that migrants who are here feel pushed to leave and individuals fleeing abuse, conflict and persecution seek their right to asylum elsewhere. Repeatedly, these policies have been found to breach human and legal rights. There is already overwhelming evidence that illustrates the barriers created by these policies for migrant women who have experience domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault. These policies create conditions where many migrant women feel even more trapped in their circumstances and unable to access support. Thankfully, many organisations, in particular those focused on racially minoritised women, have repeatedly gone above and beyond to provide access to support for women experiencing these migration conditions. The Nationality and Borders Bill (currently being debated in the House of Lords) takes the current hostile
Surviving Translation - ethical translation in gender-based violence contexts
Marriage does not mean a woman gives up her right to say no
Never Allowed: ending extended family abuse
The reality of rurality for survivors of sexual violence
The history of the Rape Crisis movement in Scotland
Pilot scheme for free access to court transcripts - Q&A
What's it like to come for Rape Crisis support?
What's it like to be a Rape Crisis support worker?
Poverty disproportionately impacts women - we need solutions
Delivering services that work for survivors of colour
Call it out – what men and boys can do to end gender-based violence
Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors
We're proud to be inclusive, and we want all survivors to know that our helpline is a safe space.
Specialist sexual violence services save lives
We have very real concerns that the recommendations made in this funding review will be a step backwards for the Rape Crisis movement in Scotland.
Why Scotland needs Specialist Sexual Offences Courts
We welcome the Bill’s introduction of a new court but there is more the Scottish Government could do.
Why we support single judge trials
Here’s why we support the pilot scheme and how we think it could help survivors.
3 reasons why writing to our helpline might work for you
We spoke with some survivors who contacted our helpline in writing to find out why they chose to get in touch with this way.
Young activists are leading the way in sexual violence prevention in schools
Did you know that some Rape Crisis Centres support young people's activism? Find out more.
5 Things You Need To Know About Our Helpline Webchat
Find out more about the new way to get in touch!
Ask an Advocacy Worker
We spoke with two Jo and Dawn from RASASH to find out what Advocacy Workers want survivors to know.
Survivor Activism in the Highlands
An interview with survivor activist Lorna on the zine workshop and her fundraiser.
Thoughts from a young activist on Equally Safe at School (ESAS)
Young Shetlander activist Jessica on ESAS and why schools must do more to prevention gender-based violence.
When we talk about sexual violence, we must remember that survivors are in the room.
This blog builds on the SRG podcast episode about the public conversation around sexual violence.
What is the Forensic Medical Services Act and what does it mean for survivors?
What is the Forensic Medical Services Act and what does it mean for survivors?
The Vulnerability of Women With No Recourse to Public Funds, Sexual Violence and Exploitation
This guest blog was written by Vicky Nyanga, founder and CEO of Project Esperanza.
The Nationality and Borders Bill Threatens The Safety and Rights of Already Marginalised Women
Guest blog by Talat Yaqoob, a consultant and campaigner, on the latest hostile environment policy.
On Progress And Hope
Solidary for survivors from Raith Rovers' fans and a shift in sport culture.
Reflections on Masculinity and Mental Health
Guest blog on maculinity by a blogger and mental health advocate
"Schools Are Key": A Young Person's Call for Preventative Action in Schools
Guest blog by Megan, a young person from the Highlands, on the importance of prevention
"To all of the women and girls out there, I stand with you" - Reflections From A Survivor
Reflections From A Survivor
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women '21
This blog is dedicated to the women of the Survivor Reference Group who so powerfully shared their stories in the Scottish Parliament.
"It was a feeling of being exactly where I needed to be" - C's Story
A survivor's experience of reaching out for support, and her experience of advocacy support
End Not Proven
Laying out the argument to End Not Proven
Reaching Out With Compassion
As necessary Covid 19 restrictions continue to dominate our lives there’s been a shift in the public conversation that needs a closer look.
A Letter From A Survivor
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.
Patriarchy To Pandemic: Four Decades Of Rape Crisis In Scotland
Patriarchy to pandemic: four decades of Rape Crisis in Scotland
16 Days Of Activism And Holding On To Hope
On hope, community and change
Finding A Way Through - Some Thoughts From Our Helpline
Some thoughts, resources and tips for survivors from our helpline on taking care throughout COVID-19
International Women's Day 2020
In thanks to all those women working and volunteering as part of the Rape Crisis movement.
Without Justice - Willow's Story
A survivor reflects on how the criminal justice system failed her (Photo credit: Zero Tolerance)
Speaking Truth To Power - The Survivor Reference Group
A blog to mark the publication of the Survivor Reference Group Initial Report.
Why we must reject anonymity for suspects in sexual offence cases
Rejecting anonymity for suspects in sexual offence cases
Trauma: everyone's business
An in-depth understanding of trauma is central to the Rape Crisis approach, and it is why our movement is so important in Scotland and beyond.
The Jamal decision: significant new appeal judgement on corroboration of penetration in rape cases
The Jamal decision: potential significance for corroboration in rape cases
Standing up for Rape Crisis services
Standing up for - and standing with - services Scotland can be proud of
Letter to Boris Johnson
Esme, a survivor of child sexual abuse, addresses harmful comments made about CSA by Boris Johnson.
Artemisia Gentileschi: transcendent survivor
The story of 17th century survivor Artemisia Gentileschi and parallels with today's survivors
2.8 wasted years and grief that I will carry forever
This guest blog by survivor Hannah explores the impact of the Not Proven impact.
Corroborating lack of consent in rape cases
We take a look at jury attitudes on trauma responses and how this impacts their view corroboration.
Gillette: Changing the game
In praise of Gillette's campaign targeting toxic masculinity
Scottish justice system places a higher value on Rolex watches than on raped women and children
This guest blog looks at survivors' access to justice relative to other crimes.
A case for human rights
In praise of the legal profession
