#WisToo

Last month, inspired by the #MeToo stories being shared on social media across the country, Rhea, a young Shetlander, decided she wanted to show that sexual harassment is as much of a problem in Shetland as it is anywhere else.

Just because we live in a peerie rural community does not mean that we are safe from these kinds of behaviour.

As a volunteer with BEE (Bold, Equal & Empowered), Shetland Rape Crisis’ young activists group, she knows that breaking the silence around sexual violence is an important part of preventing it and also helping victim-survivors to know they are not alone and that they can heal from it.

We Are Still Here For You

We understand that it is a very difficult time for everyone right now, particularly for survivors of sexual violence.

The vast majority of people who experience sexual violence are affected by someone known to them, often within their own family or by their own partner/spouse. This means that some people in Shetland are currently stuck at home with their perpetrators for a prolonged and indefinite time and therefore may be experiencing increased ongoing abuse.

SRC Thanks Government for Increased Support

Grants from the Scottish Government’s Communities Fund have been made to Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women's Aid to ensure that access to these key support services is maintained and victims still have access to methods of reporting crimes during the crisis, including using online video platforms, text messaging and phone calls.

Scottish Women’s Aid will receive £1.35 million over six months and Rape Crisis Scotland will receive £226,309 over six months.

Service Changes In Light of Coronavirus / Covid-19

Shetland Rape Crisis takes the health and well-being of staff, volunteers, and service users very seriously.

Therefore, in light of the escalating public health crisis related to coronavirus/covid-19 we have taken steps to ensure that our service users continue to have safe access to support while at the same time maintaining our duty of care to workers.