Older News/Events
WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY
New zine created by survivors of sexual assault, for survivors of sexual assault. Contributions welcome.
Click here to find out more.
(end)
JOB VACANCY – HORTON WOMEN’S HOLIDAY CENTRE
Two workers co-ordinate the day to day running of the Women’s Holiday Centre (W.H.C.) including administration, house keeping and maintenance and dealing with all aspects of visitors’ stays.
We are currently recruiting for one new worker. The deadline is 9am on Saturday 25th June. We will be interviewing selected applicants on Saturday 2nd July. It is advisable to visit the house prior to applying if you have not been before, so that you are familiar with the holiday centre. Interviewees will normally be expected to stay overnight on the night before the interviews (free of charge).
For full details, job application form etc… click here
(end)
SARSVL SPONSORED SWIM 18 JUNE 2011
SARSVL supports Leanne, Suzy, Rachel and Rachel will be doing the Great North Swim, the UKs biggest outdoor swimming event, on Saturday 18th June. To raise much needed funds for SARSVL. Please sponsor them by visiting our Just Giving Page (Click Here).
OBJECT CAMPAIGN – LAP DANCING CLUBS IN LEEDS
Object ran a very successful campaign to have lap dancing clubs licensed as Sex Encounter Establishments (like sex shops) rather than just needing a premises licence (like a café or restaurant) and changes to licensing have been made, but they are optional, Leeds City Council are currently consulting interested organisations and individuals on the new policy, giving us the opportunity to highlight the issues around the welfare of the women working in the clubs as well as the impact of the clubs on their environment and the impact of the mainstreaming of the commercial sex industry on our society as a whole.
The deadline for the consultation is June 24th, and if you have not already responded please do so.
Please send your comments to Entertainment Licensing with your name, address and organisation (if relevant) and do state if you want your response to be anonymised when objections are made public.
Send responses to: Entertainment Licensing, Leeds City Council Civic Hall Leeds LS1 1UR or email: entertainment.licensing@leeds.gov.uk or use the online form from the link below:
Click here for the Leeds City Council SEV webpage
The documents to respond to are:
For further information on the effect of lap dancing clubs please click here to see the 2007 report by Eaves
Click here for further information on the Object campaign.
(end)
WARNING – IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION – THE WOMEN’S HOLIDAY CENTRE IN BEAUTIFUL HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE NEEDS YOUR HELP – NOW!
This magnificent facility needs your help to keep going.
- Could you join their volunteer Management Committee or could you forward this to someone you think might be interested?
- Would you like to come and stay for a holiday and bring friends, relatives or a group?
- Do you have contact with women’s groups who might be interested in coming to stay or getting involved in supporting this fabulous resource?
The Women’s Holiday Centre is the only collective, non-profit-making, user-led holiday centre for women and children in the UK. It provides a uniquely supportive environment, where women can socialise together, share meals or simply enjoy staying in some of the most beautiful countryside to be found anywhere in Europe.
Over the years, the Women’s Holiday Centre has evolved into a centre for any women with or without children. Women from all walks of life are welcome and visit regularly. Originally set up in 1980 as a charitable co-operative with feminist influences this volunteer-run women’s co-op has been making a difference to the lives of thousands of women and children from all over the country. The part B&B, part hostel-style accommodation consists of a mix of private and communal bedrooms, plus two sitting rooms, a playroom and a large kitchen. The house offers a safe and friendly environment, where women and children can feel at home and get to know each other and where in weekday term-time women wanting peace and relaxation can come to recover from illness, stress or simply the pressures of daily life.
Management Committee Members: if you would like to know more about the role, for yourself or someone you know, please get in touch with Jenny by e-mail: jenny.stein@virgin.net
Visiting: please call 01729 860207 or email whc.information@pop3.poptel.org.uk
Website: www.hortonwhc.org.uk
(end)
SLUTWALK
On Saturday 11th June there will be a march in London as part of the global “Slutwalk” movement that started in Toronto in response to a policeman publicly stating that women should not dress like sluts if they want to avoid being raped. The Slutwalk starts at 1pm in Trafalgar Square. Here’s the link to the Facebook page for the event.
(end)
SARSVL 1st BIRTHDAY PARTY
Thanks to everyone who joined us, and the performers on the night. Thanks to your generosity we made an amazing £420 towards helping our much needed service continue, click here for more information.
(end)
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR NEW RAPE CRISIS CENTRES
On the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Rape Crisis (England and Wales) welcomes the Government’s announcement to fund the development of new Rape Crisis Centres. The Ministry of Justice is providing up to £600,000 to develop centres in Trafford, Hereford, Exeter and Bournemouth, giving victims of rape and sexual violence better access to the dedicated and specialist support they need.
The funding is part of the Government’s commitment to increase the provision of rape support centres across England and Wales. This is an important day for survivors of rape and sexual assault in those areas. In Devon alone, an estimated 3,000 women are raped or experience serious sexual assault every year.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales) stated “In 2011 every woman and girl should be able to live their life free from the fear of sexual violence. It is vital that women and girls who experience sexual violence are able to access services when and where they need them. While there is still a long way to go before there are specialist Rape Crisis services in every local authority area, this is a significant day in the history of the Rape Crisis movement”.
Home Secretary Theresa May has also outlined the Government plans to tackle violence against women and girls. Ms May said: “More needs to be done to ensure that we provide the best possible start for future generations. ”Violence against women and girls remains one of the most significant gender inequalities in the modern world, both in the UK and abroad. ”I want to see an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.”
For more details please go to the Home Office Website Call to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Action Plan or see below.
(end)
CALL TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMENT AND GIRLS: ACTION PLAN
To coincide with International Women’s Day, the coalition Government has launched Call to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Action Plan which is available to download HERE.
The Action Plan brings together actions across Government to:
- prevent violence from happening by challenging the attitudes and behaviours which foster it and intervening early where possible to prevent it
- provide adequate levels of support where violence does occur
- work in partnership to obtain the best outcome for victims and their families
- take action to reduce the risk to women and girls who are victims of these crimes and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice
Prevention is at the heart of the approach focussing on awareness raising, early identification and early intervention. The Action Plan also recognised that violence against women and girls occurs in all countries and it is an issue which crosses borders.
CLICK HERE to download the Government’s response to Baroness Stern’s review into the way rape complaints are handled by public authorities in England and Wales.
CLICK HERE to download the fourth edition of the violence against women and girls newsletter which provides further information about the Action Plan and updates on:
- Direct funding for rape crisis centres
- Improving our response to domestic violence
- Establishing statutory domestic homicide reviews
- Ministry of Defence publishes tri-service policy on domestic and sexual violence
- Guidance published to prevent and tackle female genital mutilation
- Taking steps to tackle forced marriage
- New actions to tackle stalking and harassment
Please share the newsletter to as many people as possible. This, and all previous editions of the violence against women and girls newsletter, is available to download at HERE.
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the of the cross government response to Baroness Stern’s Review into how rape cases are handled by the authorities in England and Wales.
(end)
LEEDS WOMEN AGAINST THE CUTS
There are various different women’s organisations across Leeds currently working toward defending women in the midst of the draconian cuts to the public sector and public services that will inevitably hit women hardest. There is not, however, a wider women’s group and Leeds Met Students Union Women’s Forum feel it would be worthwhile to begin to make connections throughout these groups meeting regularly to discuss, debate and plan for future actions. From this it has been proposed that a Leeds wide Women Against the Cuts group be set up.
Leeds Met Women’s Forum is issuing an open invitation to women to the first Leeds Women Against the Cuts meeting on Wednesday 9th March. The meeting will be held at Leeds Met, Leslie Silver Building, Lecture Theatre 1. The event will begin at 6.45pm with the aim to start by 7pm. The entrance is opposite the Drydock pub and is accessible, someone will be there to direct people to the lecture theatre. The first meeting is self defining women only, although the permanence of this is up for debate. It is felt that it is important to have women decide the line they wish to take on this and that has worked for previous groups in Leeds.
Leeds Met Women’s Forum hope this will be an opportunity to begin to build a Women’s movement against the cuts across the city. Of course this will be an open meeting any help in spreading the word to different Women’s Groups across Leeds is appreciated to make this as big as possible.
Please feel free to e-mail with questions or for more information.
(end)
MILLION WOMEN RISE MARCH, SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2011, LONDON
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day – See www.millionwomenrise.com for full details. If you would like to arrange to travel with SARSVL woment to the march please email info.sarsvl@googlemail.com.
(end)
FRIEND OF SARSVL, RACHEL THORNTON, HAS SHAVED HER HEAD AND IS GIVING UP SWEETS AND CAKES TO RAISE MONEY FOR SARSVL.
Rachel tells us she has raised £215 so far which is wonderful, thank you Rachel, but she is continuing so please see the link below to donate to her efforts and SARSVL. A reminder – SARSVL is run entirely by volunteers so that means 100% of any money donated goes straight into providing and supporting and developing the SARSVL service.
We have some before and after photos of Rachel’s new coiffure which we think is very becoming:
To help Rachel reach her target please visit her Just Giving Page Here .
Thank you Rachel!
(end)
Powys women jailed for 8 months for ‘false retraction’ of rape accusation
UPDATE: The woman has now been freed after the Lord Chief Justice says there’s an important distinction between false allegation of rape and false retraction of rape allegation. Read more…
This month a woman from Powys who accused her husband of rape was jailed for eight months for falsely dropping the charges. Full story here.
A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis said: “Rape Crisis are outraged that yet again a woman is being punished and criminalised for choosing not to pursue her case through the criminal justice system (CJS).
“This flies in the face of any progress that has been made in the last few years around how the CJS responds to women who have been raped.
“We are shocked that this woman has received a custodial sentence and by the length of it. It highlights a complete lack of understanding of the complexity and reality of women’s experience of violence in their lives.
“The act of making a false retraction is not an offence in its own right and we are calling for her immediate release and for an investigation into how this shocking situation has arisen.”
SARSVL is protesting against this, and cards of support can be sent c/o her solicitor, Geraint Jones, Bronwydd, The Bank, Newtown, Powys SY12 2AA. An appeal is being launched.
(end)
An Extraordinary Tea Party
With bands and super-duper jumble sale. At The Common Place, Wharf Street, Leeds on Sunday 28th Nov, 6.00pm-11.00pm to raise money for Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) and Horton Women’s Holiday Centre. Entry £3.
(The Common Place is a members’ club. Guests must be signed in by a member at the door. You can join for just £2 per year)
(end)
Free Event for Female Refugees and Asylum Seekers as part of Leeds 16 Days of Action
An informative, relaxed and entertaining session with a speaker, singers and refreshments all with the aim to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. All women are welcome to attend.
The event is being held on Monday 29th November, 10am to 12pm.
At:
Refugee Council One Stop Service
Hurley House
1 Dewsbury Road
Leeds LS11 5DQ
Interpreters will be available in Farsi and Mandarin, and a £3 donation will be welcome towards travel costs for each attendee.
Download a Leaflet:
in English
in Farsi
in Mandarin
(end)
Reclaim the Night Leeds 2010
On Saturday 4th December 2010, local women will be joining forces for this year’s Reclaim The Night Leeds march in Leeds City Centre to assert their right to feel free from fear of rape and sexual violence.
From 5.30pm, women will gather outside Leeds Art Gallery and at 6.30pm women will begin to walk around Leeds City Centre; the last stage of the march will be open to all. Supporters are invited to meet the women marchers at the bottom end of Briggate (near Marks and Spencer’s) for approx 7pm to continue the march around the city centre. From 7.30pm there will be a reception at arts@trinity on Boar Lane with speakers and representation from many local groups.
Reclaim the Night also aims to highlight the low conviction rate for rape here in West Yorkshire, which recent research estimated at around 8%. Raising the conviction rate for rape was identified by the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission report, “How Fair is Britain?”, as one of as one of the most significant challenges to equality faced in Britain today and as one of the most urgent issues currently in need of resolution.
For further infomation on Reclaim the Night Leeds please contact: reclaimthenightleeds@googlemail.com or see the Reclaim the Night website or facebook page (search Reclaim the Night Leeds).
(end)
Communities Matter, Waitrose, Leeds – NOVEMBER
SARSVL is lucky enough to be one of the new Waitrose in Meanwood, Leeds’ chosen charities in their Communities Matter scheme for November. If you shop there, please use your checkout token to vote for us so we can receive a share of £1,000 on offer during November. The more votes, the bigger our share!
Everyone involved in SARSVL is a volunteer, and we rely entirely on donations and a small amount of grant funding to provide our vital service.
(end)
Women On Boards: Call for Evidence
Women now form 51% of the UK population and 46% of the economically active workforce; they are responsible for the bulk of consumer buying decisions and consistently outperform their male counterparts educationally. However, research from Cranfield University has highlighted a lack of female directors in Britain’s top businesses, with women making up only 12.2% of directors of the FTSE 100 companies in 2009. The FTSE 250 companies have an even lower proportion of female directors at 7.3%, and nearly half of them do not have any women in the boardroom.
The low proportion of women holding directorships suggests British business is not using all of the skills and talents of the workforce effectively. Government is committed to seeing swift change in this area, and this Call for Evidence is seeking views from across the business world.
Lord Davies of Abersoch is currently leading a review on behalf of Government into the obstacles that prevent more women from reaching senior positions in business. His recommendations will be developed into a business strategy which will be published in February 2011. The Call for Evidence will close on 30 November with the emphasis on finding solutions that will break down these barriers.
The Women on Boards Call for Evidence is now open and can be accessed here.
(end)
Women’s Radio Group
From Wednesday 3rd November South Leeds Community Radio will be hosting a Women’s Radio Group every week from 10am to midday (term-time only). During these sessions you will learn everything you need to know in order to make a radio programme.
Whether you have never been in a radio studio or whether you have years of experience they will offer something to help you get started or improve your skills.
If you would like to know more about these sessions please call or email Sally
T: 0113 387 6464
E: sally@southleedscommunityradio.org.uk
(end)
Leeds Feminist Network Meeting Dates
- 11th November
- 9th December
They all start at 7pm and at the Victoria pub (behind the Town Hall).
(end)
Feminist Reading Group
Meets monthly at the 1in12 Club in Bradford, more information about the group can be found here. The group is open to everyone and new members are always welcome. Email them here.
(end)
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN EVENT
9th October 2010, 10am-1pm
UNITE Offices, 55 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BW
This event is free for everyone to attend regardless of gender and will include guest speakers and workshops.
To register for this event and for further information please contact Chris Beastall at the Yorkshire and Humber TUC on 0113 242 9696 or email cbeastall@tuc.org.uk.
Organised by Yorkshire and Humber TUC, Amnesty International Leeds and Leeds Trade Union.
(end)
SARSVL has a SKYDIVING TEAM!
On 25 September a team of women will fling themselves out of a plane to raise money for SARSVL.
If you would like to sponsor SARSVL SKYDIVERS please visit our Just Giving skydiving page here.
SARSVL relies entirely on donations and a small amount of grant funding to provide our vital service to the women and girls of Leeds – any financial support you can give is very welcome.
(end)
Million Women Rise, Manchester 10 October 2010
MARCH TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Meet 2.30 pm Castlefield Arena – Sunday October 10th 2010. Daytime, women only march through Manchester centre.
Nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced some form of sexual assault, 2 women are murdered every week by their partner or ex partner, 1/3 teenage girls in a relationship suffer unwanted sexual acts and ¼ physical violence.
Internationally, every year, 2 million girls between the ages 5 and 15 are trafficked into sex slavery, 1 woman dies every minute from pregnancy related causes, most of which are preventable.
It is time for the Manchester women to rise in solidarity with our sisters from around the country and the world to show that we will not tolerate violence against women. We are looking for stewards, speakers, performers and people to help out on the day. If you are able to help or would like us to come and speak to your group please contact 07872015114 or email mwrmanchester@gmail.com.
There will also be a free/low cost coach going to the London march on 5th March 2011 (100 years celebration of international Women’s Day). There were 8000 women this year and we are aiming to eventually get more than a million women.
(end)
Voices for Peace – Friday 27th August 11am-1pm
An event organised by Bradford Women for Peace, Tyrrel St, opposite Centenary Square, Bradford City Centre
Women from Bradford’s diverse communities have sent out an invitation to come together in solidarity and unity to spread the message of peace and unity as an antidote to the EDL message of hate.
(end)
Rape Defendant Anonymity
SARSVL is endorsing the Rights of Women Campaign ‘No impunity for rape, no anonymity for defendants’. The Government proposes to give those accused of rape anonymity; this would mean that the police would not be able to name those they are investigating in order to secure vital evidence. In no other offence, including murder or those that relate to child pornography, is the suspect shielded from identification in this way.
We believe that giving suspects anonymity, whether until charge or conviction:
1 will hamper police investigations and enable serial offenders to evade detection, placing more women at risk of sexual violence.
2 serves to reinforce erroneous and harmful myths about the prevalence of ‘false’ reports of rape thereby deterring women from reporting rape.
3 sends a clear message to women that they are not to be believed.
Has your MP signed the Early Day Motion against rape defendant anonymity? Please check here and if they haven’t, please urge them to sign it.
There is also a petition calling on the government to drop their proposal to extend anonymity to rape defendants with over 1400 signatures.
Many of you will have signed already but if you haven’t then please consider lending your support to this.
(end)
TEAM SARSVL – Leeds 10k – Run for All 4 July 2010
SARSVL Supporters ran the Leeds 10K – Run for All on Sunday 4th July 2010 to raise money for SARSVL, and reached their sponsorhip target of £1000 for SARSVL in the process. Here they are, raring to go…
SARSVLrunnersYou can still sponsor the team, please visit our TEAM SARSVL JUST GIVING PAGE or email us.
SARSVL now has a Skydiving Team! 25 September 2010 – more information on joining the team or sponsoring them here.
(end)
Edinburgh Marathon – 23 May 2010 – PLEASE SPONSOR HARRY WOOD RAISING MONEY FOR SARSVL
Harry Wood ran the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for SARSVL on Sunday 23rd May. To sponsor Harry please visit our JUST GIVING PAGE. Thank you.
(end)
2010 Reclaim the Night Leeds
The first planning meeting for the 2010 Reclaim the Night Leeds march will be held on Monday 17 May 6-8pm at The Victoria Hotel pub, 28 Great George Street, LS1 3DL (behind the Town Hall) in the Bridget Room.
(end)
Leeds Feminist Network (LSFN) – first meeting 7.30pm, 13 May
In some exciting news we have heard about the work being done to establish a Leeds Feminist Network (LSFN), starting off with a get together once a month for women to talk, meet one another and plan, and provide an opportunity for local groups to make contact with one another.
The first meeting will be held on Thursday 13 May at 7pm (for a 7.30pm start) until whenever! At the Victoria Hotel Pub, 28 Great George Street, LS1 3DL (behind the Town Hall) in the Albert Room.
Check them out on facebook (search: Leeds Feminist Network).
(end)
Love Music Hate Sexism – 29 April
On Thursday 29 April Leeds University Union Feminist Society fundraising gig, Love Music Hate Sexism, will donate some of the proceeds to SARSVL.
The line up so far includes Ruth & Georgia, Amazon Molly, Andrew Slaven & David Denyer, Adam Rayson, Plant Thistles (Michael Lumpkin) plus Poetry Reading, Fem Soc DJs, DJ Boo. B. & MC Blon. D. and lots of cake!
Entry will be free with a suggested donation of £3 to go towards Leeds based charities SARSVL (Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds) and LAST (Leeds Anti Sex Trafficking network).
At Hyde Park Social Club, Ash Grove LS6 1AY from 8pm-1am.
Facebook users can Facebook them here
(end)
SARSVL in the Yorkshire Post 22/04/10
The new SARSVL helpline service featured in the Yorkshire Post on 22 April 2010. You can read the whole article here.
(end)
SARSVL in Guardian Leeds Website – 12/04/10
SARSVL received coverage on the Guardian Leeds website – read the story here.
(end)
Radio Leeds - 17/03/10
Listen to SARSVL Steering Group Member Rachel Vernelle talk about the new helpline service being launched on the Radio Leeds Breakfast Show Tape 1 and Tape 2
(end)
Yorkshire Evening Post – 09/03/2010
Counselling returns after 10 years for Leeds rape victims. YEP coverage of SARSVL Helpline Launch, 17 March 2010.
(end)
Million Women Rise – 06/03/2010
Calling all women and girls to march together for International Women’s Day to celebrate our strength and our courage!
SARSVLatMillionWomenRise
January 2010 – There are 5 places available on a coach being organised by BHI, contact 0113 3070300 if you are interested.
Anyone else organising a coach from Leeds please contact info.sarsvl@googlemail.com and we’ll help you spread the word. Watch this space for further information.
(end)
SARSVL – mini launch 02/12/09
click here to read up on the outcomes of our Open Space Discussion at the Launch
Over 40 representatives of local and regional support services joined Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) Steering Group members at a mini-launch event held at the Civic Hall Leeds, on Tuesday 2 December 2009, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. The event was held to introduce the proposed new SARSVL service(s) to organisations that SARSVL hopes to work in partnership with in the future.
Cllr Alison Lowe spoke of her delight at the prospect of a specialist service in Leeds for women and girls, and called for attendees to contribute positively to the future work of SARSVL and join in with making a real difference. A presentation followed from Sumreen Aftab, Razwana Manzoor and Apelese Onyango outlining the services of Jyoti Project in Bradford, part of Bradford Rape Crisis, to BAME women and girls. Hearing about the challenges facing this particular sector of the population who have suffered rape and sexual violence left plenty of food for thought for the SARSVL group planning similar support in Leeds.
“No one asks for or deserves sexual violence.” says Katie Russell, Steering Group member. “SARSVL wants all women and girls to be free from the fear, and experience, of it. Our confidential helpline will open early in 2010 and be run by trained volunteers. Eventually we will provide face to face counselling, emotional support and practical information for anyone who has ever had any experience of rape or sexual violence at any time in their lives. We plan to develop our services dependant upon differing need and, in time, include advocacy and group work.”
“We also intend raise awareness and understanding and challenge and change public attitudes about the inevitability of sexual violence.”
(end)
Reclaim the Night March, Leeds – 28/11/09
SARSVL Steering Group members were out in force to join other women from the Leeds area on the Reclaim The Night march around the city centre to publicise the low rape conviction rate in West Yorkshire, campaign for better services for survivors of rape and sexual violence in the city and challenge some of the myths around this issue.
Women in Leeds rallied outside Leeds Art Gallery from 6pm on 28th November to march through the city centre. As around one in four women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime, which is significantly more than men, the first part of the march was for self-defining women only. Other supporters were invited to join the march at Briggate at 7.10pm. After the final stage of the march there was a reception with speakers and stalls in the Civic Hall. The event took place during the internationally recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and was part of a programme of events going on in Leeds.
The march aimed to change public attitudes towards rape, which are ultimately reflected in the criminal justice system. Recent research has shown that nearly a third of people believed that women are partly or wholly responsible for being raped if they’d been drinking, flirted or was wearing sexy or revealing clothing.
Louise Westbrooke of Reclaim the Night said “Having a drink or wearing a short skirt is not an invitation to rape. Women do not asked to be raped and they are not to blame for being assaulted and abused. We would never accuse the owner of a Porsche of deserving to have his car stolen for putting temptation in our sights. Telling women not to go out at night is not a good enough response to rape and sexual violence. We need to get together and challenge these myths”.
Reclaim The Night has a long tradition in Leeds and the first British marches of this kind were held in the city back in 1977. It is saddening that the rape conviction rate is actually lower in 2009 than it was in 1977. Reclaim the Night Leeds was part of a wider national campaign to publicise the low conviction rate and challenge public attitudes towards rape and sexual violence.
(end)