Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland is running a 6-week evening group from mid-February 2019 in central Newcastle. This group is for any woman aged 16 or over who lives, works or studies in the Newcastle area and has experienced sexual violence at any time in her life. The group offers a safe, supportive space to meet other women, explore myths around sexual violence and practice self-care and positive coping mechanisms. For further information, please call 0191 2220272 or email enquiries@rctn.org.uk.

The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee has published a report following an inquiry into the government’s proposed domestic abuse strategy and draft bill on domestic abuse.

Last week, The Independent reported that senior police officers have accused prosecutors of “raising the bar” for evidence required to take rapists to court, following a scandal over collapsed cases. Victims’ groups say women reporting rape are frequently told their case will not reach court unless they allow police access to their mobile phones and private communications, or sign statements that let investigators access their health records and other personal information. Read the full article here. 

The Women and Equalities Committee has published its report on sexual harassment of women and girls in public places. The report calls on the Government to tackle public sexual harassment of women and girls urgently and makes seven key recommendations for action. The Committee said the UK Government has a strong reputation for taking seriously the prevention of sexual abuse and violence overseas, but is failing to address the problem at home.

The Residential Landlord's Association has worked with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance to provide advice to landlords on where to go for help in relation to domestic abuse cases amongst tenants. DAHA has created a useful guide for landlords and you can hear DAHA Development Manager Victoria Watts talk more about the project