Taking on rape and sexual violence, as well as domestic abuse

Abstract

While the book is focused on domestic violence and abuse, this chapter looks at the equally important issues around wider sexual violence and rape. The rape crisis movement evolved at the same time as, and in close collaboration with, the domestic abuse movement, building, similarly, on consciousness raising and collective working. It resulted in a pioneering network of women’s rape crisis phone lines and centres. The chapter outlines the development and challenges of the rape crisis movement, with some examples referencing the original London Rape Crisis Centre. It also addresses WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women) and the Reclaim the Night movement. It brings the discussions of sexual violence services up-to-date with a look at Sexual Abuse Referral Centres (SARCs) and anti-rape campaigns.