22nd December 2011

SCOTTISH FEMINIST GROUPS CONDEM DOUBLE SEXUAL ASSAULT

Glasgow Feminist Network and the Scottish branch of UK Feminista condemned a double sexual assault which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Glasgow City Centre. The two attacks occurred within half an hour on James Watt Street . Police are looking for one suspect who appears to have spent some time in the area, apparently looking for victims[1].

These attacks are the most recent in a rising trend of sexual violence in Glasgow. Clara Smeaton, of Scottish Feminista, says: “In the period 2010-2011 over 900 sex-related incidents were reported in Glasgow[2].  The conviction rate in Scotland for reported rapes, at under 3%, is half the UK national average[3].  More must be done to prevent these crimes, and more perpetrators of sex crimes must be prosecuted and convicted.”

The city centre attacks follow a spate of four violent rapes in central Glasgow early last year[4]. Jane Stephen of Glasgow Feminist Network said that “Glasgow City Centre has become a no go area for women at night. Women shouldn’t have to live in fear. There are epidemic levels of sexual violence and new prevention strategies are needed. These attacks also come at a time of funding cutbacks. The Women’s Support Project in Glasgow, which supports victims of sexual violence, has had 100% of its funding cut from Glasgow city council this year[5]. The council must do more to protect these essential services.”

END

_______________________________________________________________________

22^ND NOVEMBER 2011

Glasgow Feminist Network are holding a candle-lit vigil[1] at 6:30pm on Friday 25^TH November 2011, to mark the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women.