Outcry Witness

Donate today and help us reach more survivors. Every survivor deserves to be heard. Together, we can make that possible. Sexual assault leaves lasting scars, and low reporting rates often embolden offenders to continue harming others. Survivors tell us: "They said no one would believe me." At Outcry Witness, we provide a vital lifeline - helping survivors document their experiences anonymously until they’re ready to report. We give them the tools to reclaim their voice, on their own terms. But we can’t do it alone. Your donation changes lives. It ensures that no survivor feels alone or unheard. Together, we’re restoring hope and giving power back to those who need it most. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/e6q7UhTA Every contribution makes a difference. Let’s stand together for survivors. #SpeakWhenReady #SurvivorSupport #TogetherWeHeal #BelieveSurvivors

“It’s much more comforting to see the people committing these acts as monsters. We can dissociate ourselves from them, then we don’t have to be introspective. It’s easier if rape is a pathological behaviour, but if we think about how we might be perpetuating a culture that produces rapists, it forces a level of introspection that makes people very uncomfortable. That introspection leads to action and choices about how we can change our lives.” Jackson Katz, Ph.D. #MaleAllies #JacksonKatz #SupportSurvivors #EveryMan #EndRapeCulture

Why is it that we, as a society, recognise the physical violence of a gunshot wound or a stab wound, but when the violence is inflicted through coercion, force, or manipulation of a different kind, we question the victim?

“Supporting the victim and her family has been at the forefront of our minds since we started investigating the case. Her courage throughout the two-year process has been inspirational. This was a deplorable crime carried out by someone who held a position of trust as a Metropolitan Police Special Constable. He had ample opportunity once presented with the clear evidence to admit to his crimes, but he decided to put his victim through court proceedings. Hassnain Shahzad is a convicted sex offender and thanks to the bravery of his victim, he has been brought to justice. It’s clear from the evidence taken from his phone this was not a one-off incident, Shahzad displayed predatory behaviour only two days after committing this heinous sexual assault. We’d urge sexual assault victims to come forward. You will be believed and listened to by a dedicated officer who will support you through the criminal justice system.” Detective Constable Sarah Elsom, City of London Police. #EndSexualAssault #SupportSurvivors #CityOfLondonPolice

"Gender doesn't define victims - everyone deserves a safe space to speak up." #AllyShip #YourVoiceMatters #YourStoryMatters #SupportSurvivors

In our latest report, 'Suffering for justice' we explored sexual violence victim-survivors’ experiences of the criminal justice system. As part of their trials, we found that notes from counselling and content from mobile phones were used during the cross examinations. Victim-survivors’ full medical records were also used during cross-examination, which in their opinion was not relevant to the case. Victim-survivors who took part in this research felt that being asked questions they saw as irrelevant and inappropriate added to what was already an incredibly difficult experience. You can read our recommendations for improving victim-survivors' experiences and the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/eg_94Sbp

"There is a record backlog of court cases in the UK. About 73,000 trials were unheard at the end of September, according to Ministry of Justice figures. In November, the chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office, Anthony Rogers, said the backlog of cases in crown courts in England and Wales could hit 100,000 unless radical action was taken to overhaul the criminal justice system. Mary Prior KC said the current system of prioritisation was causing victims of traumatic crimes to “walk away” from prosecutions, meaning perpetrators go free. Trials taking place years after incidents also face difficulties with witness evidence as memories fade." The Guardian Outcry Witness was created to support victims of rape and sexual assault, giving them a place to keep a record of what happened so that if memories should fade, the details are kept safe, allowing survivors to pursue justice in their own time. #SupportSurvivors #EndSexualAssault #OutcryWitness #KeepARecord #EvidenceForJustice #MinistryOfJustice #CPS

Are you a female survivor of domestic abuse whose case has been through the justice system in the last five years? The Survivors Trust are inviting you to participate in an online Victim Reference Group. For more info contact: forum@thesurvivorstrust.org #SupportSurvivors #VictimReferenceGroup #TheSurvivorsTrust

"Beck’s mother, Leighann McCready, said the army had tried to cover up what happened and called on Keir Starmer to introduce changes that would stop the army from investigating itself. She said the police should re-investigate both the officer who sexually assaulted her daughter and her line manager." #JaysleyBeck #SexualAssault #ReInvestigate #ZeroTolerance #CentreForMilitaryJustice

“I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or workplace setting,” she said. “I felt disrespected. One of the happiest days of my life was tarnished and I think it’s very important for me to say that I never sought, much less expected, that this would happen. I think personally that it was a lack of respect." #SupportSurvivors #SexualAssault #ConsentMatters