Our Vision

A Shetland free from sexual violence, where everyone can live safely, equitably and with respect.

Founded in 2016, Shetland Rape Crisis is an independent specialist charity working towards a Shetland where everyone is equally safe and respected; where women and girls thrive as equal citizens; and where no-one lives with the threat of sexual violence or its impacts. Based in The Compass Centre in Lerwick and delivering outreach work across the Isles, we’re a small team united by a shared love of our island community and the belief that sexual violence is not inevitable, it is preventable.

 

Our Mission

We’ll work in solidarity with survivors to ensure that everyone affected by sexual violence can access the specialist support they need. We’ll prevent harm through education and raising awareness, and challenge the attitudes and behaviours that result in inequity for women & girls through our partnerships, community engagement and by influencing cultural change.

Our Approach 

Our organisation and the work we do aligns with Rape Crisis Scotland National Service Standards, is informed by feminist and trauma informed approaches that recognise how inequality can affect people in different and overlapping ways and is underpinned by a shared commitment to our organisational values.

 

Our Values

1. Safe  

We prioritise physical and emotional safety in everything we do; creating safer spaces for survivors and within our team where people feel supported and can thrive.

2. Trustworthy 

We earn trust through honesty and accountability; listening with care, following through on commitments and recognising mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow

3. Equitable 

We’re committed to equity and justice; actively challenging the beliefs and systems that lead to harm and ensuring fairness within our own leadership, policies and practice

4. Empowering

We examine power dynamics; creating opportunities for survivors, staff and volunteers to have choice, autonomy and meaningful influence in situations that affect them

5. Courageous

We speak out against injustice and advocate for change; having open, authentic and brave conversations within our relationships, organisation & communities

Our Priorities

1. Be Resilient and Sustainable.  We’ll build a strong, well-governed and values-led organisation where our people, systems and culture enable long-term impact.

2. Support and Include Survivors.  We’ll work to reach all survivors, be responsive to individuals’ needs and ensure lived experience voices are centred in all our work.

3. Educate, Prevent and Advocate.  We’ll use our voice and expertise to prevent harm before it happens, share our specialist knowledge and advocaet for equity and respect.

4. Create Change Through Connection.  We’ll influence and improve community responses to sexual violence, challenge harmful attitudes and lead positive cultural and systemic change.