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Trumps Says ‘Deny Deny Deny,’ But We Will Believe You & We Will Support You

“You’ve got to deny, deny, deny and push back on these women. You’ve got to be strong. You’ve got to be aggressive. You’ve got to push back hard. You’ve got to deny anything that’s said about you.” Donald Trump, according to veteran journalist Bob Woodward’s book, “Fear: Trump in the White House”.

[TW: mentions of abuse, sexual violence, & rape culture]

[Read Time: 1-2 mins]

In Scotland we also live with Rape Culture all around us.  When we talk about ‘rape culture’, we’re talking about a society where sexual violence and abuse is normalised, played down, laughed off and denied. And where women and girls are seen as ‘less than’ men and boys.

In 2020-21 there were 2,176 rapes and attempted rapes reported to the police, but only 152 prosecutions and just 78 convictions (less than 4%). In the year ending June 2023 there were 14,834 sexual crimes recorded in Scotland, accounting for  5% of all recorded crimes.  I  hope we see an improvement in the conviction rate but am not overly optimistic.

Many of the women we work with describe the lack of belief from others when they report a crime of sexual violence to be as traumatising as the abuse/attack itself with this  having a significant negative impact on their mental health and recovery.

We want you to know that when you are ready to reach out to The STAR Centre we will believe you and we will support you.  We will provide you with a safe space to talk and we will listen without judgement.  You do not have to go through this alone.  

Elaine Davis, Centre Manager