Latest news with #SARCs
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
JK Rowling's women's centre to host conference on internet pornography
The female-only service opened in December 2022 and has had 624 referrals so far, from over-16s in the Lothians who have experienced sexual violence. The conference on Tuesday will examine the impact of internet pornography and social media influencers, and how this may be fuelling the increasing levels of reported violence and abuse experienced by young women, according to organisers. Speakers include Michael Conroy, the director of Men At Work, an organisation which delivers professional training in supporting the healthy personal development of boys and young men. Mr Conroy warned that trends originating from internet pornography included non-consensual strangulation, which he described as 'worrying' and increasingly normalised. READ MORE: Mary Sharpe, chief executive of The Reward Foundation, a relationship and sex education charity, will also speak and warned that internet pornography was 'addictive' and could provide a gateway to criminality. It is hoped the conference will spark 'concrete ideas' for ways to tackle the issue and is part of a series of events, Unseen, Unheard, focused on violence against women. Mr Conroy said: 'It's increasingly clear from working with a range of frontline professionals that boys and young men are having their expectations around sex and intimacy shaped by porn in harmful ways. 'So-called 'choking', or sexual strangulation, is a really worrying emerging feature of this influence and we have to do all we can to stop its normalisation. 'Unfortunately, there is evidence that some of that normalisation is coming from organisations who should know much better.' Ms Sharpe said: 'Internet pornography is one of the key drivers of the epidemic of violence against women and girls. It's designed to be addictive. 'Some consumers escalate to violent porn and to child sexual abuse material. The good news is that when users quit porn the brain settles down and appreciation of women often improves. 'The multibillion-dollar porn industry has actively suppressed evidence of the many porn-related health risks. The Reward Foundation provides free, evidence-based training materials for schools, professionals and parents.' Other speakers include national co-ordinator of the Women's Support Project Linda Thompson, Dr Alison Scott, consultant gynaecologist in sexual health services, and nurse lead for the sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) Jessica Davidson MBE. Founded and funded by JK Rowling, Beira's Place employs 10 support workers. Directors of Beira's Place include former prison governor Rhona Hotchkiss, former Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and director of For Women Scotland Susan Smith. Lesley Johnston, chief executive of Beira's Place, said: 'We are delighted to be hosting this conference and are thrilled to be platforming so many excellent speakers, all of whom have considerable experience and insights to share. 'We hope to leave attendees with ideas for concrete action that can be taken in order to address the impact of pornography on levels of violence against women.'
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Queen Camilla praises 'brilliant' Exeter sex assault centre staff
Queen Camilla has praised the "brilliant" efforts of health workers and staff at a newly opened Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Exeter. After touring the purpose-built facility and meeting privately with a survivor, she expressed her admiration for the staff's dedication. "You do a brilliant job, and you shouldn't go unrecognised," the Queen said during a plaque unveiling in the city she also toured CoLab - a multi-agency health and wellbeing hub that brings together organisations providing learning, mental health, housing and homelessness services. Devon & Cornwall SARCs are part of the NHS and the service manages SARCs in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro, offering support throughout the region."Talking to one of the survivors, the difference it made to her life, I don't think you realise just quite how needed you are," she Queen was shown various parts of the centre, including forensic medical examination suites and clinical also met Dr Anna Law, who showed her the children's room filled with toys. The Queen remarked on the unfortunate necessity of such facilities, noting the high number of children who require their services. The Queen has long been an advocate for sexual assault victims. She recently revived the Wash Bags Project, an initiative she championed years ago that provides essential items to those project is now supported by charity In Kind Direct and pharmacist Boots. 'Genuine interest' CoLab service user, Afnan Tellesy, 37, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the staff and the Queen's recognition of their work."I'm proud of all the ladies that are in this room and also how far I've come," she said."I've got my forever home and I'm still on my journey, but I know they're here and without that I think I would literally not be here."Fiona Carden, CEO of CoLab, said: "It's wonderful that someone with so much power is able to raise the profile of CoLab and challenge the stigma around domestic violence."Her passion and genuine interest in the stories of the women she met were truly validating."
