On Friday [8th of December], Emma met with RASASH (Rape & Sexual Abuse Service Highland) to speak about the work they do to campaign against sexual violence.
RASASH is an independent charity in the Highlands that provides support to victims of sexual violence. They also have an educational focus, delivering workshops and guidance to schools and working with communities for early intervention.
Across the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, RASASH has been campaigning to reimagine the Highlands free of gender-based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism ran from the 25th of November until the 10th of December, calling for the elimination of violence against women and girls from society.
On the visit, Emma said:
“I met with the team at RASASH to speak about the incredible work they do to campaign against sexual violence.
“RASASH supported me years ago in the wake of my own sexual assault, and now I am keen to make sure I am supporting them as a local MSP and doing my part to end this violence in Scotland altogether.“To have a kind, honest, experienced voice on the other side of the phone completely rescued me and found clarity in the mess of my thoughts at the time.
“From that to the wee items they provide to get people through sitting in court, what they do for survivors is incredibly powerful.
“While it is important to use the 16 Days of Activism to take time to think about what action we can take to make a change, we know that women and girls are fighting against misogyny every day of every year.
“Whether or not it is something you have been through yourself, we all have stories and know people who have been victims of gender-based violence.
“We can eradicate gender-based violence in Scotland, but we all need to work together for this to happen.”
RASASH supports survivors of any gender, and campaigns against all forms of sexual violence. The focus of this meeting was down to the context of the 16 Days of Activism.
If you need support, you can reach out to RASASH by calling 03330 066909 or you can email support@rasash.org.uk. Their website can be found here.
