The Fight To End Gender-Based Violence Must Be An Inclusive One
Published: 16 March 2023
Content Advice: Sexual Violence. Between legislative backslides and social media outcries, it has become blindingly apparent that the fight for gender equality is not inclusive of all women. UofG Medical student Caitlin on Gender-Based Violence.
Content Advice: The content of this article relates to sexual violence. If you would like to access support, without reading further, please follow this link Dignity at Work and Study Support, Guidance and Reporting this includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence.
UofG Medical student Caitlin Stuart- Delavaine talks about Gender-Based Violence and Inclusion.
Between legislative backslides and social media outcries, it has become blindingly apparent that the fight for gender equality is not inclusive of all women.
Indeed, it has been truly horrifying to see sexual violence scaremongering used as a last-ditch power play to further diminish the rights of trans women. As a means to erase them from our women’s movement. To exclude them from our supportive spaces. Spaces reserved for our most vulnerable. But, who is more vulnerable than a demographic that has repeatedly experienced disproportionate levels of assault in every form compared to their cis counterparts? 1 How could such women ever be less in need of our protection?
So, how are we still seeing transphobia progress, not only unchallenged but disturbingly supported on such wide scales? Unprovoked hatred and transphobia continue to be poorly repackaged as messages of safety, a misguided method to protect cis women’s rights and lives. Encouraging distrust and fear as a means of armour. But living in fear is no way to live at all. So, let’s please just be honest: transphobia will never be anything but a hate crime. And will certainly never be a form of sexual violence prevention or protection. When did discrimination become an acceptable part of free speech?
Instead, might we use this as an opportunity to discuss the true nature of sexual violence? You see, as headlines fail to emphasise, there is little need for ‘elaborate ruses’ or ‘long-planned invasions’ of women’s spaces to cause them harm. As, in the UK and Ireland, rapes and assaults are most commonly committed by relations pre-known, with over a third experiencing this devastation in their own home. 2 3 4 And with men accounting for an overwhelming 95% of reported attacks perhaps it might be time to re-evaluate who we are truly frightened of. 2 3 4 Perhaps it is time to reframe the narrative.
Of course, that is not to say should live terrified of all men. An entire population cannot be sullied for the action of some. As only one common denominator across all perpetrators lies, not sex, but a lack of value for women’s lives. So instead of expending energy into fuelling fear and furthering divides, we must band together and channel efforts into prevention and support, developing a society of allies. A front united is a powerful force. Only by working together will we ever end the plague that is violence against women.
So, the women’s movement must remain inclusive and demands input and support from all. We will never fulfil the requirements, care appropriately and show compassion for all those in need, without hearing from every affected demographic. A movement that excludes a voice is no longer a revolution, but a repression.
The present online commentary offers little respite in a social and political climate that is as taxing and tumultuous as it is blatantly transphobic. It can thus feel as if allies are lacking, and solidarity is all but absent. That you are alone in a very dark and frightening corner. So, might I end on this?
The loudest voices in the room may offer but rarely speak great volumes. And they certainly do not speak for all. For each hateful comment, there are many comments of support and celebration. Many voices to show that you matter.
Equality cannot exist until all lives are championed and valued proportionally. Until then, the fight continues.
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
– Maya Angelou
If you require support, you can contact the Counselling and Advice line 24 hours a day 365 days a year on 0800 028 3766 or download the app. Further information on support services is available on the following links :
- explore more information on the Counselling and Wellbeing webpages and access resources such as our programme of Wellbeing Masterclasses, which look at topics including Finding Motivation and Overcoming Procrastination, Stress Management and Mindfulness & Relaxation
- Our GBV counsellor operates a drop in service in conjunction with the SRC, appointments can be booked via the SRC webpages
- All students have access to Togetherall, a safe space online to get things off your chest and learn how to improve and manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- Peer Wellbeing Support, a confidential, student-led listening service, where you can speak to trained peers on issues such as anxiety, stress, isolation or loneliness.
- Glasgow University Nightline is a confidential listening service operated by students for students.
The UofG Life app also provides useful links to health and wellbeing resources available to students. With easy access from your mobile, discover more on the services provided by Nightline, Togetherall and the Counselling Service. You can download the app via Apple Store and Google Play. You can also access the app via the University’s app website.
Helpful resources for those seeking support related to this article’s contents. Please do reach out if you feel able, and know you are not alone.
UK Helplines:
Refuge (for survivors of domestic abuse)
Telephone: 0808 2000 247 (open 24/7)
Online chat (open Monday-Friday; 3pm-10pm)
Women’s Aid (on website gives additional information for helplines for men and LGBTQ+ survivors)
Online chat (open Monday-Friday 3pm-10pm and weekends 10am-6pm)
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Domestic and sexual abuse helpline (open 24/7)
Telephone: 0808 802 1414 (open 24/7)
Email: help@dsahelpline.org
LGBT Switchboard – online chat available on their website, and helpline.
Telephone: 0300 330 0630 (open everyday 10am-10pm)
Galop – specialist web chat on their website for LGBT+ people experiencing violence and abuse, including hate crime, sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Telephone: 020 7704 2040 (Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 5-8pm)
Scotland:
Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline (open 6pm-midnight, daily)
Telephone: 08088 01 03 02
Text: 07537 410 027
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Scottish Women’s Aid (open 24/7)
Telephone: 0800 027 1234
Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
LGBT Helpline Scotland (open Tuesdays & Wednesdays (12-9pm) Thursdays & Sundays (1-6pm))
Telephone: 0300 123 2523
Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
England & Wales:
Rape Crisis England & Wales National Helpline (open 12 noon – 2:30pm; 7pm-9:30pm, daily)
Telephone: 0808 802 9999
Live chat (open at variable times)
First published: 16 March 2023
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