GLASGOW AND CLYDE RAPE CRISIS
MANIFESTO FOR THE 2026
HOLYROOD ELECTION
ABOUT GLASGOW & CLYDE RAPE CRISIS
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) exists because of male sexual violence toward women.
We are unashamedly committed to the rights of women and girls, and advocate boldly in the best interests of survivors and future generations.
In an ideal world, the charity would not exist. But in our imperfect world – 1 out of every 5 women in Scotland over the age of 16 experiences sexual assault – we are here to support them and help them heal. We do this while working to create and influence a world where sexual violence is eradicated, where women feel safe and can live their lives without the fear.
GCRC supports women in the Glasgow and Clyde areas who have experienced rape or sexual violence. However, our expertise is recognised on an international level, and our influence extends beyond the borders of our service area.
“We are working to create a society where women and girls are equal and free from all forms of sexual violence.”
13
79 the youngest survivor we supported last year the oldest survivor we supported last year
1 in every 5 women in Scotland over the age of 16 experiences sexual assault
Every day, we witness the devastating impact sexual violence has on individuals, communities, families, as well as the fabric and future of our society.
Rape and sexual violence are not inevitable. They are preventable. But only if we commit to long-term change, together.
We cannot rely on someone else to create this change; we must all stand with survivors, ensuring the right advice and support is available, so that we can all create a better society now and for future generations
Ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election, we call on every political party in Scotland to commit to real, sustained action.
Women and girls in Scotland deserve leadership, courage, and policy rooted in justice and equality
We call on all parties to commit to the following four demands:
1.Long-term and sustainable funding for Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis, and all centres supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence
2.Increase our collective responsibility to tackle the root causes of rape and sexual violence
3.Improve responses for survivors of rape and sexual violence across Glasgow & Clyde, and all of Scotland
4.Improve access to justice, reporting and reduce the complexity of the justice system
These four pledges are not radical. They are reasonable. They are achievable.
1. Long-term and sustainable funding
Survivors across Scotland depend on specialist, trauma-informed services like ours for crisis support, advocacy, prevention, and long-term healing Yet we operate at the mercy of short-term, competitive funding cycles that put vital services at risk.
What we’re asking: In line with the Violence Against Women and Girls Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services report, we need multiyear, inflation-proof funding models that recognise rape and sexual violence crisis services as essential, life-saving public services - not optional extras We need to retain expert staff and meet increasing demand for support.
No one should be turned away when they reach out for help or to report rape or sexual violence. This is about protecting human rights, public health, and gender justice.
Our services have been chronically under-funded throughout our history - this must change.
40,000
2. Increase our collective responsibility to tackle the root causes of rape and sexual violence
Sexual violence is rooted in gender inequality, power, and harmful social norms. Eradicating the root causes of sexual violence requires cultural change.
Education and awareness play a pivotal role in challenging the gender norms that enable male violence. Through training and education, GCRC empowers individuals and organisations to understand sexual consent, coercion, and gender dynamics, helping to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
What we’re asking: A fairer, safer Scotland benefits everyone. Therefore, a wholesociety approach is urgently required. We need fully funded, expert prevention work in schools, workplaces and communities to raise awareness about consent and healthy relationships.
We also want to see political leadership that boldly and openly challenges misogyny and all forms of gender-based violence – through policies that address societal and structural inequality.
Change starts with what we say, what we teach, and what we stand for. Elected officials across all forms of government have the platform and the responsibility to shape the future and do the right thing.
+60% +15%
In the last 10 years, there has been a 60% increase in recorded crimes of rape and attempted rape.
In 2024-25 alone, recorded crimes of rape and attempted rape increased by 15%.
3. Improve responses for survivors of rape and sexual violence across Scotland
Survivors need care, support, and safety from trained experts - when they need it. But currently, services are stretched thin. From reporting an assault to navigating the legal system, our survivor-focused approach ensures that every aspect of our service is designed with the survivor's experience and well-being as the top priority. Our unwavering commitment to their journey means they never feel alone.
What we’re asking: Equitable access to high-quality, trauma-informed services that meet the needs of the local area. This includes specialist provision for women and girls, black and minority ethnic survivors, and disabled people. We need urgent support to address waiting lists in Glasgow and Clyde and across the country, and adequate funding levels to ensure waiting lists don’t build up to begin with.
Every survivor deserves dignity and choice in their healing. Meeting this need is a matter of national accountability and compassion.
4. Improve justice reporting and reduce the complexity of the justice system
The Scottish justice system often re-traumatises those it should protect. Survivors face long waits, invasive questioning, low conviction rates, and processes they are excluded from understanding or influencing
What we’re asking: Reform the justice system to focus on survivors’ rights and wellbeing. This includes better, trauma-informed practice and communication from police and prosecutors, increased protections in court, shorter delays, and a clearer, more accessible reporting process.
All of this is dependent on investment.
Justice must work for everyone - especially those traumatised by rape and sexual violence. If survivors lose faith in the system, the system has failed.
1 in 4 sexual crimes committed in 2024-25 were recorded at least one year after they occurred.
Help us
The status quo is not acceptable. GCRC challenges a world where women and girls are unequal and experience sexual violence. We act with courage, challenge assumptions and we aren’t afraid of difficult questions.
We call on all political parties to help us to create a society where women and girls are equal and free from all forms of sexual violence. These four pledges are not radical. They are reasonable, achievable, and necessary.
We are calling on every party and every candidate to make a clear commitment to these demands - and act on them.
For the last four consecutive years, GCRC has seen an increase in the number of women and girls seeking support after experiencing rape and sexual violence.
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis SCIO 4th Floor, Empire House
131 West Nile Street
Glasgow G1 2RX
Email: info@rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk
The Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Centre is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Scottish Charity, no SCO06595. Registered address: Empire House, 5th Floor, 131 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2RX.