• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Crisis? What Crisis?

Written by Rebecca Hutson
Wednesday, 18 February 2009 00:00

We are all so quick to condemn the treatment of women in those “faraway places” where not wearing a veil, dancing in public or even being raped can result in execution, where driving, voting or going to school is forbidden for those with two X chromosomes. In turn, we like to think of ourselves as a progressive heartland of equality – where gender discrimination and imbalanced stereotypes and expectations are a thing of the past – so in the past that we attend exhibitions to remind us how bad things once were. Why? Now women are free to dress like prostitutes, diet and augment themselves into whatever shape they want and dance around poles for fun. Equality in its element, I would say.

But, no. Much as it will shock those who read the Saturday paper features on Yemen, Pakistan or Chad (the three countries that offer the worst living conditions for women, according to a Global Gender Gap report) with their lists of abominations against women, the UK has been called upon by the UN to increase its funding for rape crisis centres and to implement a sustainable funding programme. The UK, one of the richest and most robust economies in the world has seemingly failed over 50% of its population by not investing enough in tackling rape. The UN Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women found that there was a serious failing on the part of our government to promote equality for women and do away with discrimination – such a failing that it called for “urgent” action. It is all squeamishly embarrassing as we go on moral crusades around the world promoting the ideals of “freedom” and “equality” when we don’t even offer it at home.

As alarming as it is to have our government criticised for its treatment of women, the facts truly speak for themselves. In the last five years, nine rape crisis centres have been closed – with 69% of centres claiming that the funding they received was unsustainable (not surprising, being as 79% of government grants only last for one year) which means that the number of rape crisis centres has nearly halved since 1984 (from 68 to 38). Unfortunately, the number of rapes, sexual assaults or attempted rapes has not halved with it.

With a conservative estimate of 300,000 sexual assaults per year (and a further 400,000 attempted assaults) and a declining number of rape crisis centres, not to mention the ever-increasing climate of shame, embarrassment and self doubt which surrounds rape, it would appear we are turning rape into an invisible and silent crime, brushing an enormous social failing and time bomb under the carpet.

It was therefore a welcomed relief when bumbling, politician Boris Johnson made rape crisis centres a central aspect of his mayoral manifesto, promising to pour £744,000 into the existing centres and build three more. He even went so far as to write to Liz Kelly, Chair of End Violence Against Women, stating: “The next Mayor of London must show leadership if we are to end this crime…It is absolutely evident that we must be doing more to help, support and promote the assistance that is given to women…If I am fortunate to be elected on 1st May, this matter will be a priority under my Mayoralty…Quite simply, I believe that it is more important to fund rape crisis centres than press officers.”

His plan was to fund these centres by making a 20% cut in the Mayor’s media and marketing team, or “GLA spin doctors” as he called them. In December Johnson backtracked on his electoral promise, delaying even a draft strategy for 11 months and incorporating rape into a broader (read: less effective) “Violence against Women” programme. With 180 rapes reported each month in London, and with three-month waiting lists to visit the one rape crisis centre, this is hardly compassionate conservatism.

Ultimately his shift in values will have profound consequences, not least for the 95% of British women who do not feel safe at night, nor the 73% who are worried about being raped. Maybe if he knew that violence against women cost the UK £40 billion a year – due to the expense of public services and lost economic output and that, unbelievably, the knock-on effects of violence against women cost more than our annual defence budget, he would be more motivated?

Rape and sexual crimes are statistically underreported. Understandably, the last thing victims want to do is call the police, relive the entire experience and undergo an intense examination. And now, even if they want to, the three-month wait for treatment and support might be enough to deter them. Without the necessary support, rape will continue to go unreported and it will continue to exist (for some unknown reason) in a legal grey spot, making it hugely difficult to prove. The UK has one of the lowest conviction rates in Europe at just 51% and it will surprise many to learn that the maximum sentence for rape is life – because it is so rarely employed.

Not only this, but it doesn’t set a great example. If the Mayor of the most diverse, wealthiest and largest city in this country has failed to provide funding to tackle the growing rape problem, what hope is there for rape victims, survivors or for any other city?

By shying away from putting rape on the national agenda, Johnson has merely shrouded it in more mystery. Thankfully, there is a huge, capable network of support available to victims of rape and assault – such as Reclaim the Night and I Did Not Ask For it UK which provide the understanding, compassion and impetus for change we need.