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.

For more information on the campaign, click here.