Rape crisis hubs 'need direct fund'

Sep 4 2012

Direct government funding is needed for rape crisis centres to help raise awareness of the legal definition of the crime, a Labour MSP has said.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill should consider the move following Respect MP George Galloway's suggestion that WikiLeaks campaigner Julian Assange is accused of no more than bad "sexual etiquette" rather than rape and sexual assault, said Siobhan McMahon.

Speaking during topical question time in Holyrood, she asked the Scottish Government "what action it will take to ensure that young people across Scotland have access to the relevant information regarding the legal and practical definition of rape".

Ms McMahon pointed to a survey by rape crisis charity The Havens which suggests that one in 20 men aged 18-25 would try to have sex with a sleeping person.

She said: "In light of this and George Galloway's ignorant and distasteful comments, and in line with the Scottish Government's commitment to preventative action, will the Cabinet Secretary consider offering direct funding to rape crisis centres across Scotland, which will allow them greater freedom to respond to local issues?"

Mr MacAskill said legislation which came into effect in late 2010 provides a simple, easy-to-understand definition of the crime. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is raising awareness and Curriculum for Excellence is being used to ensure that young people understand the definition of sexual violence and rape, he said.

The Government has also committed £34.5 million to tackling violence against women, according to Mr MacAskill. "There are not, whatever might be suggested by individuals, different categories of rape," he said. "It is a heinous offence. The crime itself is entirely unacceptable in any shape or form."

Mr Galloway's comments were made on a video blog last month and widely condemned, including by women's rights groups.

Referring to the accusations against Mr Assange, Mr Galloway said: "Some people believe that when you go to bed with somebody, take off your clothes, and have sex with them and then fall asleep, you're already in the sex game with them.

"It might be really bad manners not to have tapped her on the shoulder and said 'do you mind if I do it again?'. It might be really sordid and bad sexual etiquette but whatever else it is, it is not rape or you bankrupt the term rape of all meaning."