Shetland Rape Crisis launch

Today sees the launch of the new Shetland Rape Crisis service at an event at The Mareel in Lerwick. The new service will offer support, advocacy and information to survivors aged 13+ of any form of sexual violence, no matter when in their lives it happened. Support is available to survivors of all genders as well as to family, friends and workers.

The Support & Development worker Linda Gray is based at Voluntary Action Shetland in Lerwick but support will be available at other locations as well as by phone and Vsee to ensure access for all and maximise confidentiality.

Last year 30 sexual crimes were reported in Shetland but Linda highlights: “There can be many reasons why people don’t tell, not only the Police but those around them, so we know this is not the full picture. We are here to offer a safe space to talk, where people will be believed and supported, whether or not they decide to report.”