Talking about Rape and Sexual Assault with SARSVL CEO Katie Russell

Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri

This is a difficult subject, but an important one. I still get letters from people unsure whether they've been the survivor of sexual violence.

My guest is Katie Russell, former media officer for Rape Crisis and now CEO of Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL). Katie is a specialist in sexual violence and abuse against women and girls with over 18 years' diverse experience within the Rape Crisis movement and wider voluntary and community sector.

In this episode we talk about what rape and sexual assault is, and also address other aspects of sexual violence. We talk about consent, and how it's an active, not a passive act. I.e. just because you didn't say no, it doesn't mean you meant yes.

We talk about the trauma response and how that can affect your response to sexual violence, and how this isn't anything you have control over.

In an ideal world I'd like everyone over the age of about fourteen to listen to this and really understand what consent is, because without understanding consent you can't be sure you've got it. And if you haven't got consent, you may be committing an act of rape or sexual assault.

I talk about organisations and articles in the episode and here are the relevant links:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/19/are-obedient-children-a-good-thing

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/08/shouldnt-force-child-kiss-grandparent-consent-sex-education

If you or someone you know has been affected by the subject matter of this episode you can get help and support by putting in the words rape crisis and the county you live in into Google.

SARSVL is the organisation mentioned and where Katie works is at.

Rape Crisis England and Wales.

The 24 hour helpline Katie mentions is on 0808 500 2222.

Support for men and boys affected by rape or sexual violence:

The legislation we refer to is the 2003 Sexual Offences Act.

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