We will work to ensure the proposals introduced will be as strong as possible, and push for further systemic change so that survivors of sexual violence can access the criminal justice system without suffering further harm.
Read our full statement: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/rcew-ce...
The Courts and Tribunal Bill introduced by the government last week is an important next step in translating our recommendations into real systems change which will benefit survivors of sexual violence. But its publication does not mark the end of this journey.
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For years, Rape Crisis England & Wales have campaigned for action to be taken to tackle the backlog in the Crown Court, which is disproportionately felt by sexual offence survivors, whose cases take longer than most other crime types.
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If someone seems unsure, stays quiet, moves away or doesn’t respond, they are not agreeing to sexual activity.
And if there's no consent, then it is sexual violence. It's as simple as that.
If you’ve ever experienced sexual violence or abuse, free, specialist and confidential support is available 24/7.
We will always listen to you and believe you, and we will never judge.
You can call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk any time, day or night, all year round.
Are you looking for a career change?
We offer accredited ISVA training for people working in both Rape Crisis and non-Rape Crisis services.
More details, including training dates and fees, on our website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/about-us/isva-training/
If someone says ‘no’ to any kind of sexual activity, they are not agreeing to it.
But, if someone doesn't say ‘no’ out loud, that doesn’t automatically mean that they have agreed to it either.
Read more about consent: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/about-sexual-violence/sexual-consent/
It is really common for victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse to blame themselves for what happened to them.
And if you're a survivor who feels that way, you are not alone.
The blame and shame lies with the perpetrator.
We believe survivors.
We are here for you 💜
Victims and survivors of sexual harassment are often told that they are being 'unreasonable’ or 'too sensitive', or that they ‘can’t take a joke’.
But sexual harassment is never funny and should not be happening.
If this has happened to you, you are not alone.
We are here for you 💜
Are you looking for a new role?
Some of our Rape Crisis centres are hiring!
For more jobs, and more details about each role, including links to jobs specs and info on how to apply, please visit our website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/member-centres/
Many victims and survivors feel like they blame themselves for what happened, feel guilty, or feel ashamed.
But try to remember - it was not your fault and you are not to blame. The only person to blame for what happened is the perpetrator.
We're here for you: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/
You’re not alone.
You can speak anonymously to our operators.
They will not be able to tell who you are, and you do not have to give them your name or any other personal information.
You can call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk any time, day or night, all year round.
If something sexual has happened to you without your consent, you can contact your local Rape Crisis centre.
Many of our centres offer specialist counselling, advocacy services, helplines, group work, and practical and emotional support: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/find-a-centre/
What you’re feeling is valid and normal
It’s okay to feel really upset, anxious, scared, or numb after a rape or sexual violence. And it’s normal to still feel this way weeks, months, years or even decades after it happened.
We're here for you: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/
For lots of people who experience something sexual that didn't feel right, understanding exactly what happened to them – and having a word for it – can feel really helpful.
Visit our website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/was-i-raped/#what-next
Sexual violence can affect anyone.
You can use the Support Line if you don't have leave to remain in the UK, or your immigration status is insecure.
You can ask to speak to us in another language, and we'll try to find you an interpreter. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
We usually experience fear when we sense we are in danger.
The freeze, flop, friend, fight or flight reactions are immediate, automatic and instinctive responses to fear.
Read more: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/tools-for-victims-and-survivors/understanding-your-response/fight-or-flight/
Sexual violence can affect anyone.
The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is here for people of all genders.
Trained specialists are ready to listen, day and night. You can call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk any time, day or night, for free, confidential support.
"Last night, I went to celebrate Nia’s 50th anniversary. It was so great to hear about the dedication of their team and how they’ve managed to preserve despite multiple funding cuts. It was an honour to celebrate the amazing history of feminist mobilising. Joanne, Membership Coordinator at RCEW
Want to work in our movement?
Here are some job and volunteering vacancies available at some of our specialist Rape Crisis centres.
For more vacancies and details, visit: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/member-centres/
If you've been raped or sexually assaulted very recently, there might be forensic evidence that can be collected. This evidence might help your case if it does go to court.
Read more: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/sexual-assault-referral-centres-sarcs/
No one ever deserves to be spiked.
If you have experienced spiking and/or rape or sexual assault – whether it was recently or a long time ago – we are here for you.
Get help: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/
SARCs can offer confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted.
Get help: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/sexual-assault-referral-centres-sarcs/
If you’ve ever experienced sexual violence or abuse, free, specialist and confidential support is available 24/7.
We will always listen to you and believe you, and we will never judge.
You can call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk any time, day or night, all year round.
Survivors of sexual violence and abuse have told us that this week's news, and the response to it all, is incredibly triggering and overwhelming.
Survivors, thank you for sharing with us how this is affecting you right now. It's important. Your voice matters. 💜
We don't believe self-swap 'rape kits' will be effective at bringing perpetrators to justice or providing support to survivors.
Experts share our concerns: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/enough-anti-rape-self-test-dna-kit-fails-rape-victims-misleads-public-start-up-mps/
Looking for your next role?
Here are some job vacancies available at some of our specialist Rape Crisis centres.
More jobs and more details here: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/
For over 50 years, our movement has campaigned to ensure that when survivors are ready to talk, they’re heard, believed, and have access to the support and criminal justice they deserve.
With your support, we could do so much more.
Help us: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000B35GAYAZ
We believe survivors.
For us, it's that simple.
If recent news has been triggering or overwhelming for you, please know we're here for you.
Get help: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/
No victim or survivor of sexual violence and abuse should be asked to engage with a system does not prioritise them.
There needs to be changes, to avoid further traumatisation, and for justice to be served.
Help us influence change: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000B35GAYAZ
#ItsNotOk
