Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
@ciarabergman.bsky.social
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
There’s no chance of measuring or addressing #vawg properly this way.
Narrowing the scope of the #strategy may make it easier for government but it won’t deliver on the pledge to #women to halve VAWG.
🙏🏽 to @ciarabergman.bsky.social
Andrea @evawuk.bsky.social
& #survivor -advocates for speaking
Narrowing the scope of the #strategy may make it easier for government but it won’t deliver on the pledge to #women to halve VAWG.
🙏🏽 to @ciarabergman.bsky.social
Andrea @evawuk.bsky.social
& #survivor -advocates for speaking
August 15, 2025 at 8:08 AM
There’s no chance of measuring or addressing #vawg properly this way.
Narrowing the scope of the #strategy may make it easier for government but it won’t deliver on the pledge to #women to halve VAWG.
🙏🏽 to @ciarabergman.bsky.social
Andrea @evawuk.bsky.social
& #survivor -advocates for speaking
Narrowing the scope of the #strategy may make it easier for government but it won’t deliver on the pledge to #women to halve VAWG.
🙏🏽 to @ciarabergman.bsky.social
Andrea @evawuk.bsky.social
& #survivor -advocates for speaking
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
The UK Government has today announced that £53 million will be allocated over the next 4 years towards addressing domestic abuse perpetrators that ‘pose the highest risk’.
welshwomensaid.org.uk/news/stateme...
welshwomensaid.org.uk/news/stateme...
Statement on UK Government Funding Announcement : Welsh Women's Aid
The UK Government has today announced that £53 million will be allocated over the next 4 years towards addressing domestic abuse perpetrators that ‘pose the highest risk’. Welsh Women’s Aid are concer...
welshwomensaid.org.uk
July 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The UK Government has today announced that £53 million will be allocated over the next 4 years towards addressing domestic abuse perpetrators that ‘pose the highest risk’.
welshwomensaid.org.uk/news/stateme...
welshwomensaid.org.uk/news/stateme...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
We support and feel that it is important to share Rape Crisis England and Wales
position on self-swab kits.
Survivors deserve specialist, safe, and trauma-informed care, not kits that risk offering false hope.
Read our full statement rctn.org.uk/self-swab-ki...
#SupportSurvivors
position on self-swab kits.
Survivors deserve specialist, safe, and trauma-informed care, not kits that risk offering false hope.
Read our full statement rctn.org.uk/self-swab-ki...
#SupportSurvivors
July 8, 2025 at 1:03 PM
We support and feel that it is important to share Rape Crisis England and Wales
position on self-swab kits.
Survivors deserve specialist, safe, and trauma-informed care, not kits that risk offering false hope.
Read our full statement rctn.org.uk/self-swab-ki...
#SupportSurvivors
position on self-swab kits.
Survivors deserve specialist, safe, and trauma-informed care, not kits that risk offering false hope.
Read our full statement rctn.org.uk/self-swab-ki...
#SupportSurvivors
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Last week, we saw a statement from Rape Crisis England & Wales about the growing use of self-swab rape kits, alongside further information from our colleagues at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Devon Sexual Health.
eddystone.org.uk/blogs/news-f...
eddystone.org.uk/blogs/news-f...
When Support Matters Most: Why Self-Swab ‘Rape Kits’ Aren’t the Answer
At The Eddystone Trust, we work with people across the South West who are affected by sexual health inequalities and trauma, and we want to say this loud and clear: if you’ve experienced rape or sexua...
eddystone.org.uk
July 1, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Last week, we saw a statement from Rape Crisis England & Wales about the growing use of self-swab rape kits, alongside further information from our colleagues at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Devon Sexual Health.
eddystone.org.uk/blogs/news-f...
eddystone.org.uk/blogs/news-f...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
📰 Have a read of our report on Bristol's new self-administered rape test kits.
Are self-swab kits ‘the start of the end of sexual violence’, or could they cause more harm than good?
Article by @laurabutler.bsky.social.
Are self-swab kits ‘the start of the end of sexual violence’, or could they cause more harm than good?
Article by @laurabutler.bsky.social.
Big day for me - my first article with @thebristolcable.bsky.social on self swab rape kits at Bristol uni from a company called Enough. I’m hoping it will help to quell the misinformation and show users the limitations, ultimately helping survivors of rape.
thebristolcable.org/2025/01/self...
thebristolcable.org/2025/01/self...
Self-swab test kits: do they help rape & sexual violence survivors?
Thousands of self-swab rape test kits have been distributed across Bristol. Are they helping survivors of sexual violence get justice?
thebristolcable.org
February 1, 2025 at 2:09 PM
📰 Have a read of our report on Bristol's new self-administered rape test kits.
Are self-swab kits ‘the start of the end of sexual violence’, or could they cause more harm than good?
Article by @laurabutler.bsky.social.
Are self-swab kits ‘the start of the end of sexual violence’, or could they cause more harm than good?
Article by @laurabutler.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
UK - Self-swab DNA testing could put rape survivors "at risk", experts say, w a lawyer adding he is "horrified" kits are being given out to students.
The kits allow ppl to take a swab at home & get it tested for the DNA of an alleged perpetrator & have the results stored www.bbc.com/news/article...
The kits allow ppl to take a swab at home & get it tested for the DNA of an alleged perpetrator & have the results stored www.bbc.com/news/article...
DIY testing could put rape survivors 'at risk', experts say
Forensic and legal experts say self-swab DNA kits are unlikely to be allowed as evidence in court.
www.bbc.com
February 13, 2025 at 4:49 AM
UK - Self-swab DNA testing could put rape survivors "at risk", experts say, w a lawyer adding he is "horrified" kits are being given out to students.
The kits allow ppl to take a swab at home & get it tested for the DNA of an alleged perpetrator & have the results stored www.bbc.com/news/article...
The kits allow ppl to take a swab at home & get it tested for the DNA of an alleged perpetrator & have the results stored www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
@Independent: Self-swab ‘rape kits’ being marketed at students a ‘serious concern’ https://t.co/lu53wzYzYO
Main link in OG tweet
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/self-swab-kits-students-university-b2773086.html?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1750494606
www.independent.co.uk
June 21, 2025 at 9:12 AM
@Independent: Self-swab ‘rape kits’ being marketed at students a ‘serious concern’ https://t.co/lu53wzYzYO
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Proud to stand with sector colleagues today to stand up for victims and funding of services. Full letter here: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/joint-l...
December 23, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Proud to stand with sector colleagues today to stand up for victims and funding of services. Full letter here: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/joint-l...
Rape Crisis England & Wales, Victim Support, Welsh Women’s Aid, Imkaan and Women’s Aid Federation England have jointly written to the Prime Minister - the survival of victim and survivor services is essential:
Proud to stand with sector colleagues today to stand up for victims and funding of services. Full letter here: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/joint-l...
December 23, 2024 at 5:22 PM
Rape Crisis England & Wales, Victim Support, Welsh Women’s Aid, Imkaan and Women’s Aid Federation England have jointly written to the Prime Minister - the survival of victim and survivor services is essential:
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Such an important article - thanks so much to the Victims’ Commissioner.
Victim services are the backbone of our justice system, but the latest funding cuts risks pushing them to breaking point.
Organisations tell the Victims' Commissioner they’ll be forced to cut staff and frontline support. This will harm victims and undermine justice—when we can least afford it 👇
Organisations tell the Victims' Commissioner they’ll be forced to cut staff and frontline support. This will harm victims and undermine justice—when we can least afford it 👇
December 16, 2024 at 6:33 PM
Such an important article - thanks so much to the Victims’ Commissioner.
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Absolutely get idea that exemptions can’t be made piecemeal for everyone who asks. But this is a major issue for us so I dread to think what small charities face. And it may show the sector wasn’t considered at policy stage - which would be sadly typical www.thirdsector.co.uk/mps-vote-aga...
MPs vote against charity exemptions from employer National Insurance increase
A number of amendments were tabled that would have reduced the burden of the increase on the voluntary sector but they were rejected by the House of Commons
www.thirdsector.co.uk
December 19, 2024 at 9:23 AM
Absolutely get idea that exemptions can’t be made piecemeal for everyone who asks. But this is a major issue for us so I dread to think what small charities face. And it may show the sector wasn’t considered at policy stage - which would be sadly typical www.thirdsector.co.uk/mps-vote-aga...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
I spent yesterday campaigning against cuts to victims’ services. Court backlogs are longer than ever. Cutting victims’ services is not the right way to get the criminal justice system back on its feet. This decision is devastating and must be reversed.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
December 5, 2024 at 6:38 AM
I spent yesterday campaigning against cuts to victims’ services. Court backlogs are longer than ever. Cutting victims’ services is not the right way to get the criminal justice system back on its feet. This decision is devastating and must be reversed.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We’ve seen a groundswell of support for ending rape culture & holding perps to account thx to #GiselePelicot but w/out services to support them, survivors won’t have the support they need to make disclosures in the first place & pursue criminal justice @rapecrisis.bsky.social
t.co/1VBoG3AFdR
t.co/1VBoG3AFdR
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/women-and-girls-are-the-hidden-victims-of-starmers-broken-promises-3444215
t.co
December 21, 2024 at 3:17 PM
We’ve seen a groundswell of support for ending rape culture & holding perps to account thx to #GiselePelicot but w/out services to support them, survivors won’t have the support they need to make disclosures in the first place & pursue criminal justice @rapecrisis.bsky.social
t.co/1VBoG3AFdR
t.co/1VBoG3AFdR
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
‘All the women on earth feel you, thank you Gisèle’ 💜
Shame must change sides.
Shame must change sides.
December 19, 2024 at 11:39 AM
‘All the women on earth feel you, thank you Gisèle’ 💜
Shame must change sides.
Shame must change sides.
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
How many rape cases are derailed by ‘sexsomnia’ claims? The CPS doesn’t know. Despite pledge to challenge claims, they are not tracking how many cases it has dropped. Grateful to Shanti for continuing to shine a light on this topic and for the chance to contribute.
www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...
www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...
How many rape cases are derailed by ‘sexsomnia’ claims? The CPS doesn’t know
Despite pledge to challenge claims, the prosecutions agency is not tracking how many cases it has dropped
www.google.com
December 8, 2024 at 9:21 PM
How many rape cases are derailed by ‘sexsomnia’ claims? The CPS doesn’t know. Despite pledge to challenge claims, they are not tracking how many cases it has dropped. Grateful to Shanti for continuing to shine a light on this topic and for the chance to contribute.
www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...
www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Continuing our calls for the reversal of cuts to victims’ funding today. Our colleague @ciarabergman.bsky.social CEO of @rapecrisis.bsky.social has written eloquently about her worries and how victims will suffer: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/our-ceo...
December 5, 2024 at 7:21 PM
Continuing our calls for the reversal of cuts to victims’ funding today. Our colleague @ciarabergman.bsky.social CEO of @rapecrisis.bsky.social has written eloquently about her worries and how victims will suffer: rapecrisis.org.uk/news/our-ceo...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Today, @rapecrisis.bsky.social CEO @ciarabergman.bsky.social has publicly and directly criticised the total absence of the sexual violence reduction - or any VAWG mission related mention - in the PMs milestones speech & the real term cut in victim services funding. rapecrisis.org.uk/news/our-ceo...
rapecrisis.org.uk
December 5, 2024 at 4:43 PM
Today, @rapecrisis.bsky.social CEO @ciarabergman.bsky.social has publicly and directly criticised the total absence of the sexual violence reduction - or any VAWG mission related mention - in the PMs milestones speech & the real term cut in victim services funding. rapecrisis.org.uk/news/our-ceo...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Our estimate on the cost of employer national insurance contribution increases has made its way to the commons floor.
While increases won’t come into force until next year, charities are already having to make big decisions to prepare. Ultimately that means less services for communities in need.
While increases won’t come into force until next year, charities are already having to make big decisions to prepare. Ultimately that means less services for communities in need.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has been criticised by former civil society minister Stuart Andrew over the government’s hike in employer national insurance contributions (NICs) in a debate in parliament yesterday.
Lisa Nandy criticised by ex-charities minister over sector’s £1.4bn NICs hike
www.civilsociety.co.uk
November 29, 2024 at 1:53 PM
Our estimate on the cost of employer national insurance contribution increases has made its way to the commons floor.
While increases won’t come into force until next year, charities are already having to make big decisions to prepare. Ultimately that means less services for communities in need.
While increases won’t come into force until next year, charities are already having to make big decisions to prepare. Ultimately that means less services for communities in need.
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
We continue to support @rapecrisis.bsky.social and their wider work to influence change.
Their recent report with #SmallButVital Imkaan seeks to give voice to asylum-seeking women who have endured sexual violence and abuse.
rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed...
#16DaysOfActivism
Their recent report with #SmallButVital Imkaan seeks to give voice to asylum-seeking women who have endured sexual violence and abuse.
rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed...
#16DaysOfActivism
December 4, 2024 at 9:10 AM
We continue to support @rapecrisis.bsky.social and their wider work to influence change.
Their recent report with #SmallButVital Imkaan seeks to give voice to asylum-seeking women who have endured sexual violence and abuse.
rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed...
#16DaysOfActivism
Their recent report with #SmallButVital Imkaan seeks to give voice to asylum-seeking women who have endured sexual violence and abuse.
rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed...
#16DaysOfActivism
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Today’s Observer editorial on a new report on inter-familial child sexual abuse. Far too little coverage of it in a week dominated by assisted dying; easier for adults to look away than confront just how badly the state and society is failing these children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Observer view on the disturbing prevalence of child sexual abuse in the home | Observer editorial
The idea of children being abused within their family is too upsetting for adults to contemplate. But we must
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2024 at 8:25 AM
Today’s Observer editorial on a new report on inter-familial child sexual abuse. Far too little coverage of it in a week dominated by assisted dying; easier for adults to look away than confront just how badly the state and society is failing these children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Fewer than HALF of domestic abuse cases are recorded as crimes, and most don’t lead to prosecution.
This comes as the govt’s new pilot of DAPNs and DAPOs aims to improve protections. Yet given DVPOs were used in 1% of cases, all signs point to wholesale change in policing need for this to succeed.
This comes as the govt’s new pilot of DAPNs and DAPOs aims to improve protections. Yet given DVPOs were used in 1% of cases, all signs point to wholesale change in policing need for this to succeed.
Fraction of domestic violence cases result in conviction, ONS says
A pilot for tougher domestic violence orders is announced - but charities warn police must act on them.
www.bbc.com
November 27, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Fewer than HALF of domestic abuse cases are recorded as crimes, and most don’t lead to prosecution.
This comes as the govt’s new pilot of DAPNs and DAPOs aims to improve protections. Yet given DVPOs were used in 1% of cases, all signs point to wholesale change in policing need for this to succeed.
This comes as the govt’s new pilot of DAPNs and DAPOs aims to improve protections. Yet given DVPOs were used in 1% of cases, all signs point to wholesale change in policing need for this to succeed.
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
"There's a sense of shame, and that option just isn't there to go back."
Women's centre CEO Benaifer Bhandari tells Ciaran Jenkins it's crucial women who've recently entered the UK can find the right support if a partner is being abusive.
Read and watch:
www.channel4.com/news/domesti...
Women's centre CEO Benaifer Bhandari tells Ciaran Jenkins it's crucial women who've recently entered the UK can find the right support if a partner is being abusive.
Read and watch:
www.channel4.com/news/domesti...
Domestic violence ‘normalised’ in some sections of society, says women’s centre CEO
We spoke to Benaifer Bhandari, the CEO of Hopscotch Women's Centre, a charity offering support services for women impacted by racial and gender inequality as well as domestic abuse.
www.channel4.com
November 20, 2024 at 11:14 AM
"There's a sense of shame, and that option just isn't there to go back."
Women's centre CEO Benaifer Bhandari tells Ciaran Jenkins it's crucial women who've recently entered the UK can find the right support if a partner is being abusive.
Read and watch:
www.channel4.com/news/domesti...
Women's centre CEO Benaifer Bhandari tells Ciaran Jenkins it's crucial women who've recently entered the UK can find the right support if a partner is being abusive.
Read and watch:
www.channel4.com/news/domesti...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
Children’s social care is in urgent need of reform, eye watering private provider costs, often with worst outcomes for young people, while councils are pushed over the financial cliff edge.
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
November 18, 2024 at 8:21 AM
Children’s social care is in urgent need of reform, eye watering private provider costs, often with worst outcomes for young people, while councils are pushed over the financial cliff edge.
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Reposted by Ciara CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales
This doesn't happen often!
We have a vacancy for a P/T (21 hrs) Researcher at the Femicide Census.
We're looking for a feminist with strong research skills, the ability to deal with the emotional impact of the subject matter and the desire to make a difference to join our tiny but brilliant team.
We have a vacancy for a P/T (21 hrs) Researcher at the Femicide Census.
We're looking for a feminist with strong research skills, the ability to deal with the emotional impact of the subject matter and the desire to make a difference to join our tiny but brilliant team.
VACANCY FOR FEMINIST RESEARCHER (part-time): A rare opportunity to join our ground-breaking team! niaendingviolence.org.uk/jobs/researc...
Researcher (Femicide Census) - NIA | Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
The Femicide Census the most compressive single source of UK information about women who have been killed and the men who have killed them. Launched in 2015,
niaendingviolence.org.uk
November 15, 2024 at 10:21 AM
This doesn't happen often!
We have a vacancy for a P/T (21 hrs) Researcher at the Femicide Census.
We're looking for a feminist with strong research skills, the ability to deal with the emotional impact of the subject matter and the desire to make a difference to join our tiny but brilliant team.
We have a vacancy for a P/T (21 hrs) Researcher at the Femicide Census.
We're looking for a feminist with strong research skills, the ability to deal with the emotional impact of the subject matter and the desire to make a difference to join our tiny but brilliant team.