Rape Crisis England & Wales
@RapeCrisisEandW
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With our 38 Rape Crisis centres we deliver specialist services to those affected by sexual violence & abuse, and aim to educate, influence and make change.
Joined June 2011
We’re pleased to launch our new 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line – a free phone and online chat service for anyone aged 16+ in England & Wales who has experienced any form of sexual violence, abuse or harassment at any time in their lives. ℹ️
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We know there has been a lot of discussion about sexual violence and abuse in the media today, which could be triggering for victims and survivors. If you’re impacted by anything you read or watch today, we are here for you.
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#C4Rape A reminder that you need capacity in order to consent, being too drunk to remember means you do not have capacity.
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🧵It feels like an appropriate time to emphasise the link between rape culture and sexual violence. Enabling hatred towards women in the media sends the message that violence against women is acceptable and emboldens those with misogynistic attitudes to commit sexual abuse. (1/4).
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🫶 We know how upsetting the dialogue after a high-profile case can be for victims and survivors, many of whom have either been let down by the system or not yet made the step to tell someone for fear of being disbelieved. A message to them: we believe you, we are here for you.
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#C4Rape “He’s going to get away with it because of the life I lead.” It is unacceptable that women should ever be made to feel that their actions make them unworthy of justice. No matter the circumstances, the blame for rape and sexual assault always lies with the perpetrator.
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We know face coverings are important but please remember 'selfishness' & 'stupidity' aren't the only reasons some are hesitant to wear them. They can cause severe distress, incl for many sexual violence survivors, & Govt guidance recognises this #ShowMeYourMask #BeKind
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Survivors of rape are being forced to choose between justice and therapy. Counselling should be a private and safe space for healing, but this is being compromised by requests from the police for a survivor’s counselling notes. We call on the CPS to #KeepCounsellingConfidential
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🧵Whenever there is a high-profile case of sexual violence and abuse in the media we see a lot of misinformation and rape myths circulating online. These myths are damaging for victims and survivors, and directly contribute to rape culture: (1/7)
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Counselling should be a private and safe space for healing, but this is being compromised by routine requests from the police and prosecutors for survivors’ counselling notes. Alongside @centrewj and @evawuk we're calling for a change to the law to #KeepCounsellingConfidential
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"Every single time we have to apply for funding we're told it has to be new & innovative when we can't pay rent or salaries. We can't survive without core costs. Survivors tell us what works. They inform our services. We shouldn't be reinventing the wheel" @WomenandGirlsN #APPGSV.
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Throughout this week we'll be sharing information about the types of sexual violence and abuse and information on the support available. #ItsNotOK that so many women and girls are impacted by male violence, by raising awareness of the issue we can help to destigmatise it.
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📢 Nearly 100 MPs have joined our call to #KeepCounsellingConfidential. We are really pleased to see this show of support from so many MPs. Rape survivors should never be forced to choose between seeking justice and seeking therapy. Read more:
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"I thought it was just a part of life" - major new research involving over 22k adult women reveals almost all have experienced some form of sexual violence since birth. Thanks @DrJessTaylor @Jaimi_Shrive @Victim_Focus . Download your free copy now:
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Like many of you, we’ve heard the disturbing audio recording making its way around social media. No person ever has the right to sex, no matter who they are or what job they’re in. Without consent, it is rape. We stand in solidarity with all survivors who speak out.
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We worked with @CallTheMidwife1 on tonight's powerful episode. If you've been impacted by Sandy's story, you are not alone. Contact our 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line for free emotional and confidential support. #CallTheMidwife .📱: 0808 500 2222 .
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📢 Our CEO @jayney_butler outlined to the Victims and Prisoners Bill Committee the need for rape victims to have access to independent legal advice, which would help victims to understand and enact their rights within the criminal justice process.
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❗ Victims of rape and serious sexual offences can now apply for free transcripts of a judge's sentencing remarks: these are made by the judge after the verdict and include their decision on sentencing and reasons for imposing the sentence. ℹ️ Apply here:
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We're sending thoughts and strength to Gisèle Pelicot and to all survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Gisele has courageously exposed the reality of rape to the world, placing shame where it belongs - back on to the perpetrators.
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Language matters. Describing sexual violence or abuse as 'sex' is inaccurate, normalises sexual abuse and minimises the impact it has on survivors. It's important to call it out when we see this happening, such as when people use 'non-consensual sex' when they mean 'rape'.
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So much love and solidarity to our sisters across the sea today and all those #HometoVote An historic day for all women #trustwomen #solidarity #repealthe8th
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Brave rape survivor Claire describes her experience of going to court as 'soul destroying.' We've heard many other survivors say the same. That's why we're calling for drastic changes. ℹ️ Read more in our Breaking Point report:
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This International Women’s Day, we continue to call for justice for rape and sexual abuse survivors. #rapejusticenow #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge
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🧵 A message to all survivors - we believe you. Myths about rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence hold a lot of power in our society. (1/5).
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We are deeply concerned by the dangerous ideology of misogynistic rape culture that Mr. Tate spreads and the serious allegations against him. We stand in solidarity with the brave survivors pursuing a civil case against him. Donate to support them below.
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"We come to this theory - that situations are the risk, the taxi is the risk, the park is the risk - and in doing so, we erase the perpetrator as the risk. Those places only become a risk when offenders chooses to target a woman or a girl" - @DrJessTaylor now at #rcconf20 #16Days.
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Today marks the start of Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. #ItsNotOK that so many people are impacted by sexual violence and abuse, but hopefully, by raising awareness of the issue, we can help to destigmatise it. This week, and every week, we are here for you.
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We want to thank and commend @Nataliefleet for her courage in speaking out and sharing her story. Survivors of sexual violence and abuse should never be made to feel responsible for what happened to them. All of the blame, shame and responsibility lies with the perpetrator.
Estimated 3,300 births from rape in 2021 alone. Nobody wants this to be their story. We have to acknowledge this happens in UK, & give mothers & children support they need. Speaking out is terrifying. I do it in hope I can play even a small part in delivering change we need.
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Just a reminder that making or laughing at rape jokes isn't 'harmless fun' - it is perpetuating a culture in which sexual assault is minimised and normalised. Rape is a serious and traumatic crime - it is not funny.
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❗ Content warning - sexual assault. Granting anonymity to officers accused of misconduct does nothing to build up public trust. It speaks to a culture of misogyny, where the reputation of a police officer trumps the safety of women and girls.
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We stand with Charlie as she bravely shares her story and honours the memory of her friends Katie and Georgina. We must ensure other survivors of sexual violence and abuse aren't let down in the same way they were.
I’ve written an open letter to the Lord Chancellor asking for commitment to the importance of specialist services to support victims. Specialist services are already over capacity. My letter is supported by Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Refuge, CALM, Galop #inkatiesname
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Survivors of sexual violence have the right to receive specialist counselling and therapy without restrictions. Allowing the police to access their counselling notes deprives them of that right. We urge the CPS to #KeepCounsellingConfidential #Newsnight @BBCNewsnight
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#C4Rape Tonight’s documentary is showing the impact rape and sexual assault can have on victims and survivors. It is devastating. Those impacted deserve access to specialist support services.
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An important point from @vicderbyshire on tonight’s #Newsnight - some rape survivors are dropping out of the criminal justice system as they cannot access therapy without their notes being accessed. We’re calling to #KeepCounsellingConfidential .
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"We're really sick of seeing funding streams for 'new & innovative' - 'old & essential' must be recognised & funded. We are quality tested, proven & evidently needed." - @InquiryCSA.
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"By not adequately funding Rape Crisis support services, this Government. is telling survivors their recovery does not matter and by extension that they do not matter" Exclusive comment by survivor-activist @FernChampion on our website: #WednesdayWisdom
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So when people ask "why didn't she report to the police?", we would point them to the fact that the vast majority of victims and survivors who do report, will not receive criminal justice. (3/7)
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That this survivor was ever convicted in the first place is a travesty. Our thoughts are with this woman and her family who bravely fought against this conviction.
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We cannot accept so-called 'casual' or 'everyday' sexism when 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, and 1 in 6 children have been sexually abused. Men must do better. (3/4).
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We're extremely disappointed by this outcome. Our respect & solidarity to our sisters at @EVAWuk @centreWJ & of course all victims & survivors of sexual violence & abuse failed by our criminal justice system, & all women & girls impacted by & lost to male violence #rapejusticenow.
BREAKING NEWS: EVAW is deeply disappointed by judges failure to hold CPS accountable on rape prosecutions collapse in their JR judgement. But we have no regrets for wanting to hold institutions accountable for the effective decriminalisation of rape.
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Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sabina Nessa today, and the family and friends of all the women and girls murdered by men. Justice will only be achieved when women and girls are free from the threat of male violence.
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🧵No sentence can adequately reflect the trauma that Gisele Pelicot and her family have faced. We stand with her and all survivors of sexual violence and abuse impacted by this case. (1/3)
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Tonight's episode of #CallTheMidwife deals with the issue of marital rape. This is important to highlight given that 1 in 2 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or ex-partner. Sexual consent must be freely given every time; without it, it's rape and it's illegal.
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The criminal justice system is failing rape survivors. The process doesn’t have to be like this. Change is possible. This #16DaysOfActivism, support our campaign to cut unacceptable delays and waiting times for rape justice: .#YearsTooLong
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"This is a missed opportunity to create the fundamental changes required to make the system fit for purpose." - Government apologises for systemic failings on rape: leading women’s groups disappointed with lack of ambition in plans to address them.
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To stop sexual violence we need to challenge rape culture - in the newspapers, on TV, in sports, in music - across society. (2/4).
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We’re so disappointed by the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision not to make counselling and therapy notes confidential for rape survivors. Read why we want to #KeepCounsellingConfidential⬇️.
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Brilliant news. Huge congratulations to this courageous survivor. What a victory. Rape Crisis has long campaigned against #sameroofrule & other ways #CICS discriminates against those affected by sexual violence & abuse, alongside survivors & other partners
#Breaking Woman who suffered abuse at the hands of her stepfather wins Court of Appeal challenge against the “same-roof” rule which denies some victims the right to compensation.
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After years of campaigning with our sisters @EVAWuk, @rightsofwomen and @centreWJ, we are thrilled that the Government is changing the law to help #KeepCounsellingConfidential and better protect survivors' right to privacy. Read more ⬇️
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To the 6 women who testified, to the very many more who were denied the chance, to all victims & survivors of rape, sexual abuse & all forms of sexual violence who have & haven't been heard, our solidarity. You are not alone. Support on website #MeToo.
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new CEO, Ciara Bergman. We are excited to welcome Ciara and to continue being bold and brave in our fight for a world that is free of sexual violence and abuse.
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#C4rapedebate “It is soul destroying”- a survivor recounts her experience of not being believed by the police when she reported her assault. There needs to be trauma-informed and highly specialised training for police officers who deal with rape investigations.
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📝 Today, we’re launching our new report ‘#BreakingPoint: the re-traumatisation of rape and sexual abuse survivors in the Crown Court backlog’, which outlines the devastating impact of trial delays on victims and survivors. Read the report: .
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Sexual violence in all its forms is being talked about more than ever before. We know there is a huge amount more that can be done so we are delighted to announce the newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual Violence #appg #sexualviolence
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NEW: Today we publish a powerful new report on the collapse of the criminal justice.system’s handling of rape cases and radical proposals for change, with partners @Imkaan @centreWJ @EVAWuk .#rapejusticenow #16Days
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One survivor told us how she was advised by the police not to have therapy whilst undergoing criminal proceedings. The lack of specialist support meant she felt unable to continue with her case. This is why we're campaigning to #KeepCounsellingConfidential
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We stand in solidarity with our black sisters & brothers in the UK, USA & around the world and recommit to active anti-racism & intersectional feminism as we continue to fight sexual violence & abuse and support survivors #blacklivesmatter #millionwomenrise
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Never doubt the power of an individual or small group of activists to change things. Delighted by this result on #upskirting for @ginamartin_uk & all of us:
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"Instead of teaching girls how to jump over hurdles, it's time to start taking those hurdles out of the way." . - A poignant ending to Laura Bates' keynote address at our Rape Crisis Conference. #RapeCrisisEWConnected.
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This is a clear example of institutional misogyny. Apologies are not enough. We need to see action from the Met Police to drive out sexism and inappropriate behaviour within its ranks.
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It takes a huge amount of strength to report to the police - we know the vast majority of those impacted by rape never will. To report a rape and not have it charged is devastating. Survivors deserve more.
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We've been working with @Hollyoaks on special episode, 'The Long Walk Home', which airs tonight on E4. The episode explores women's safety, addressing the false narrative that women are to blame for violence perpetrated against them. #Hollyoakslongwalkhome
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The continued and intrusive requests for counselling material, which is so often used against victims and survivors, means that many feel forced not to seek counselling or therapy until after a decision has been reached in their case. We must #KeepCounsellingConfidential
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Women already go to great lengths to try and feel safe. We do not need another app that puts the responsibility of keeping safe on women. We need to tackle the root cause of why women feel unsafe - violent men.
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🧵This #16DaysOfActivism we'll be focusing on our #KeepCounsellingConfidential campaign that we're running with @centreWJ & @EVAWuk. Rape survivors should not have to fear their counselling notes being scrutinised in court: they deserve the right to privacy.
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It's Day 3 of #16Days of Action to End Violence Against Women & Girls and we're thinking about consent. It's an enthusiastic, freely given 'yes', and nothing less, each and every time. Thanks to @UN_Women for this GIF. #orangetheworld #standagainstrape #webelieveher #EndVAWG
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Thinking of all victims & survivors of rape, sexual abuse, all forms of sexual violence today as every day, including the majority who will never see the perpetrator sent to prison. See our website for support. You're not alone
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In 20 minutes' time, all of us at the 15th annual Rape Crisis Conference will be joining our sisters @CambRapeCrisis in a minute's silence to remember Saskia Jones - one of our own - and all women killed by male violence #16Days #16DaysOfActivism #16daysofaction #RCConf19.
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MILLION WOMEN RISE - sisters rise up against male violence! #powertothewomen #allwomencount #solidarity @MillionWomen
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🧵We know that the injustices survivors of sexual violence regularly face can leave us feeling angry, upset and hopeless. The recent news will be hard for many of us as we see the direct impact of rape culture. In times like these, it's important to know you're not alone. (1/4).
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Solidarity to all survivors of rape impacted today, and every day, by a society and systems which seek to silence and oppress #IBelieveHer.
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"Prosecutors, jury members and us as individuals need to be braver and push back against the myths society holds about sexual violence. Consent is an ongoing process. A text message about sex does not equal consent." @CommonsJustice
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(1/2) We welcome today's Government announcement that victims and survivors of sexual offences will now have the choice to pre-record their interviews and cross-examination testimony, as well as the introduction of a consultation on the Victim's Bill.
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If someone wants to take part in any kind of sexual activity with another person then they must get their consent. Every. Single. Time. It doesn’t matter if they’ve been married to the other person for 50 years – if the other person doesn’t consent, it’s rape. And it's illegal.
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No matter when or how it happened, #ItsNotOk that you should feel alone or that you can't talk about it. This Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week & every week, we're here for you: Live chat opens at 2pm today
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Police requests for a survivor's counselling notes undermine the foundation of counselling: that it is a confidential space for clients to explore their feelings. We urge the Crown Prosecution Service to #KeepCounsellingConfidential.
Calls for new guidance designed to protect rape victims' privacy to be reconsidered ‘in the interests of public health’. We speak to Newsnight’s correspondent @AnnaCollinson and to @VictimsComm.
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❗ We are concerned to hear the calls for those accused of rape to be granted anonymity. It reinforces the myth that women who report rape are likely to be lying, when in fact so-called 'false allegations' of rape are extremely rare. 🧵 (1/3).
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"We survivors, we are more than our trauma, we're more than what we've been through. That does not define us. That's not why we're here. We have something to give. We can turn our experience to expertise." #RCConf19 #TogetherStronger #16Days.
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CCTV, lighting, sentencing. all might have merits, all v much not the point. We need a functioning criminal justice system that doesn't let the majority of rapists walk free & widespread public education to tackle systemic misogyny&racism #rapejusticenow
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The criminal justice system is failing rape survivors. It takes a huge amount of strength to report to the police - we know the vast majority of those impacted by rape never will. 🧵 ⬇️
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The scale of sexual violence and abuse on mental health wards is a national scandal. It is unacceptable that when people are at their most vulnerable, they are being put at risk of sexual violence and abuse. Read more: 1/3 ⬇️.
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Read more about rape culture, its impacts and how we can work together to end it on our website here:
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A much-needed & gratefully received contribution towards the costs of continuing to provide vital specialist sexual violence & abuse support services to those in considerable need #youarenotalone
We're investing an extra £10m in support services for victims & survivors of sexual violence. And £3m per year until 2022 will support Independent Sexual Violence Advisers to help victims feel informed & supported at every stage of their recovery journey. 4/4.#YouAreNotAlone
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Our hearts go out to Sarah Everard, her family and friends and all survivors of sexual violence and abuse today. We despair at the inadequate vetting procedures, repeatedly missed red flags, and inaction that contributed to this horrendous misuse of power. 1/4.
"Wayne Couzens was never fit to be a police officer.". Chair of the Inquiry Lady Elish Angiolini shares the findings of the independent report looking into how the off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was able to carry out his horrendous crime.
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We've been worried about needs & rights of sexual violence & abuse survivors being lost in wider discussion abt impacts of #covid19 We spoke to @MoJGovUK about this & pleased to say they've just launched these support pages with our input: #YouAreNotAlone.
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Today marks the start of Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. Throughout the week we'll be sharing information about child rape and sexual abuse, and the support available for victims and survivors. 1/2 ⬇️
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"The criminal justice system owes a huge debt to Rape Crisis who has looked after those the CJS has not always been good at looking after itself." - Dame Vera Baird QC @VictimsComm
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With survivors, members, partners, we've called for complete overhaul of the failing Criminal Justice System on rape & sexual violence & abuse for years. Given today we hear convictions have fallen to an all-time low, are these CPS proposals enough?
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"This isn't about vengeance, it's about justice.". Huge congratulations, thanks & solidarity to the phenomenal @emilyinpublic & @centreWJ on the outcome of this landmark case & vitally important campaign.
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This is a really important ruling. In a society where the vast majority of survivors of sexual violence will not receive criminal justice, speaking out about their experiences gives survivors a way to regain control and show solidarity with others.
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At last this traumatised young woman can at least return home. We hope she now receives specialist support.
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(1/4) We’ve released our #HoldingItTogether report which shows the immense impact the pandemic has had on victims and survivors of sexual violence and how Rape Crisis Centres have drastically increased service provision to meet demand. Read it here:
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The retraumatisation of rape victims and survivors in the witness box is not an acceptable ‘cost’ of justice. We stand in solidarity with these brave survivors speaking out about their experiences of the criminal justice system.
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We're pleased to have supported this crucial research from @VictimsComm . Heartbreaking but unsurprising findings to many survivors & to those of us providing specialist services. Compelling further evidence that urgent, radical action is needed.
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Along with @The_TUC @fawcettsociety & others, we're calling for the Conservative MP arrested for rape to be suspended while investigation is carried out. Parliament is no different to other workplaces. @murphy_simon @LexyTopping @guardian @KatieRussell20
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