EXCLUSIVE: Rape support services in Aberdeen stretched by increase in demand
More survivors are attempting to access services, but with funding not increasing at the same rate, this is leaving long waiting lists.
Last updated 15th Oct 2019
Groups such as Grampian rape crisis are having to add referrals to long waiting lists for support as the amount of people applying for help has increased significantly over the past few years.
Speaking to Northsound, Nicoletta Ciuboyariu of Rape Crisis Grampian said:
"A slightly slower month might see up to 20 referrals to our center, busier months we can see as high as 30-40 survivors coming forward for support."
The service has limited funding and a small team to cover a large geographical area, relaying heavily upon volunteers.
This comes as Northsound speaks to Alison from Aberdeen - not her real name, this is a measure to protect her identity - who told us about the abuse she faced from her ex-boyfriend.
Alison told Northsound that levels of abuse in the relationship slowly progressed, leading to an occasion where she told her ex no "probably five times" as he proceeded to rape her.
Alison wants to raise awareness of the fact this type of crime can be committed by a partner - something she was not aware of before the abuse.
Alison says she had to change her own pre-conceptions of what rape was to accept she was the victim of a crime.
She said:
"There should be more education on what rape actually is - not just horiffic headlines.
For 21 years, the scenario of rape in my head was a stranger, in the dark, in an alley - but it can be your partner or friend.
It took me a while to realise that, and realise a crime had been committed."
Alison also says it's important that groups such as rape crisis, and Aberdeen University's 'Consent Awareness and Sexual Education' group are supported - as they can play a large part in a survivor's recovery.
Services/groups available for survivors in Aberdeen:
Rape Crisis Grampian
Website: http://www.rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk/
Phone: 01224 590 932
Email: info@rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk
CASE (Consent Awareness and Sexual Education) Aberdeen University
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ABDNCASE/about/?ref=page_internal
Email: case.abdn@gmail.com
Robert Gordon University:
RGU students are directed to the following webpage, which lists a variety of services and routes - depending on what suits the survivor: https://reportandsupport.rgu.ac.uk/support/i-have-experienced-sexual-violence