2 October 2014 Dr Joan Ross Central Scotland Rape Crisis Centre

On Thursday the club was enlightened by a talk from Natalie Graham from Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre who was supported by Dr Joan Ross.
Natalie explained how the Centre which is based in Stirling, covers Falkirk, Clackmannan and Stirling and supports both female and some male victims and their families who require help and advice after rape and sexual abuse.
The Centre provides advice on legal issues, one to one counselling as well as training for the Police and other organisations.
Elimination of child abuse is seen as important and the centre has provided training to schools through talks to pupils. It is finding this important function harder to maintain as funding is reduced by government and local authorities
The club was made aware that a high proportion of rapists were known to their victims. While there has been a 15% increase in reported rape in Scotland, of all the rapes reported to the police, only 3% lead to a conviction. Problems in the judicial system do not help with the considerable time taken to get to trial placing increased stress on victims. The Centre is working with the Procurator Fiscal’s Office to make the system easier for victims.
Natalie explained that the Centre spent 18,168 minutes on supporting calls and 276 hours on counselling of victims over the year. Staff numbers have reduced from 4.5 in 2012-13 to 2.5 currently despite receiving 68 new referrals this year, meaning staff have a much higher workload.
The impact of sexual abuse on victims is considerable with many victims taking years to be able to tell anyone of the attack and the consequential effect it has on their lives and those of their family.
It was pointed out that, similar to many charities, funding is difficult with a 30% reduction in the last year making it difficult to maintain the level of this very valuable service.
The Centre can be contacted at:
1 Glebe Avenue
Stirling
FK8 2HZ
Helpline number: 01786 471771
Mobile number: 07434532229
info@rapecrisiscentralscotland.co.uk
www.rapecrisiscentralscotland.co.uk

Glen Montgomery extended a vote of thanks to Natalie and Dr Ross for their very thought provoking talk