It said it had not taken the decision lightly but is now at odds with umbrella group
A major rape crisis charity has split from its umbrella body because of differences over the provision of single-sex services.
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis has cut ties with national group Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS).
It said it had not taken the decision lightly, but that its need to provide single-sex services meant it was at odds with RCS.
A spokesperson for the board of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis said: “After careful consideration, we have concluded that the interests of our organisation, and those that rely on our services, will be best served and represented outwith membership of RCS.
“We were created to provide support by and for women. We believe, and women have consistently told us, that single-sex services delivered by an all-female workforce are crucial to help them heal from sexual trauma.
"This approach remains our priority but is at odds with RCS."
Rape Crisis Scotland has come under intense scrutiny recently after an independent report into Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) found the actions of staff “had caused damage to some survivors”.
Mridul Wadhwa subsequently resigned as ERCC’s CEO and a statement was published by the charity’s board.
The investigation, carried out independently on behalf of Rape Crisis Scotland, said Ms Wadhwa, a trans woman, had failed to behave professionally in her role.
The review, sparked after an employment tribunal found that an ERCC staff member with gender-critical views had been unfairly constructively dismissed, also found the CEO “did not understand the limits of her authority” and the needs of survivors had not been prioritised.
Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley later apologised “unreservedly” to those who had been let down.
She said she had no involvement in hiring Ms Wadhwa and admitted the appointment, made in 2021, has been seen by some as controversial, but added: “most rape crisis centres in Scotland provide support to men, women, trans people and non-binary people.
"There is no inherent reason within that, that you could not have a trans person working within a rape crisis centre.
"I think what is crucial however, is that if you do have a rape crisis service, that is supporting all survivors is that there's dedicated women-only spaces within that."
On the decision of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis to leave the national body, a statement by RCS said: “Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis provides crucial services for survivors, and we wish them and their team well.
"Our member centres deliver services in a variety of ways, tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. What is fundamental across all Rape Crisis Services is that survivors' needs are at the centre of their provision.
"Rape Crisis Centres can provide single-sex spaces within Rape Crisis Scotland - and many do.
"The independent review of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, published last month, recommended that Rape Crisis Scotland facilitate a shared approach across centres. This work is underway."
