News/Blog
‘I just froze'
Rape Crisis Scotland yesterday (7th March) launched a powerful and creative campaign set to challenge and change common misconceptions that there is a right or wrong way for people to react during or after a rape.
The campaign launches just ahead of the introduction of judicial directions in sexual offence cases on the issue of lack of physical resistance and delayed reporting to the police.
The new directions mean that from April under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Bill judges in Scotland will be required to tell jurors where relevant that many people do not physically resist when subject to a violent or sexual assault, instead they might freeze. Additionally, where relevant judges will tell jurors that there can be good reason why a person may not report rape immediately.
These directions are a significant and necessary step forward in challenging and changing the myths which can prevent women from having the confidence to report rape or sexual abuse.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre welcomes both the new judicial directions and the creativity of Rape Crisis Scotland in campaigning for improved responses to victim-survivors of rape across Scotland.
Legal Aid review announced
“The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre welcome news of an independent review into legal aid in Scotland, and in particular the recognition of legal aid as vital in helping to achieve access to justice.
The importance of legal aid cannot be understated, and we look forward to engaging with the review to promote justice for women.”
Read the Minister’s full statement announcing the review here.
Scotland’s first civil action case for damages for rape
Rape Crisis Scotland hails landmark ruling in Scotland’s first civil action case for damages for rape stating “this is a landmark case that broadens access to justice in Scotland”.
Rape Crisis Scotland reaction to the Ched Evans acquittal
We were shocked and horrified to see the use of such blatantly prejudicial sexual history evidence in the Ched Evans retrial.
By Sandy Brindley and Michele Burman
To access the full blog post please follow the link below.
Significant Funding announcement for SWRC
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, today announced significant funding for the development and extension of the SWRC over the next 2 years.
The SWRC is delighted to have received additional support from the Scottish Government to enable the employment of more staff and the establishment of new bases in Dundee and the Highlands.
The additional funding will significantly enhance services available to women survivors of gender based violence through the establishment of legal surgeries across the central belt, in Dundee and the Highlands. The new surgeries will be offered in addition to the current legal surgeries based in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
The SWRC Helpline, available across Scotland, will also develop enhanced access through the provision of an 3rd weekly session in 2016 and a further 4th weekly helpline session in 2017.
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