Full Transcript of the meeting with Mridul Wadhwa about rape crisis centers

It was just a service for “women and girls” only (see changes from 2014 to organisation name) and until they changed their company name and articles of association in 2018.

You can follow the history on the companies house link on their charity profile on the OCSR.

Changes to articles of association have to be approved by directors/trustees and approved by the OCSR where the Objects are changed.

With her extensive background in telesales I'm sure MW will easily find other work.

I don't need you to understand what it is like to be me, I just need you to accept me for who I am, believe what I am saying about myself, just as I believe what you are saying about your life.

Obviously that quote from MW above does not apply to female survivors of male violence who express their need for a female-only therapeutic environment.

When we tell you about ourselves, our needs, and explain that they arise from our experience of male violence, you don't believe us. Instead you smear us with these ugly judgements.

And the hostility towards female survivors is staggering. I cannot recall anyone in the history of the rape crisis movement in Scotland who worked for Rape Crisis Scotland so openly, so publicly and so emphatically condemn female survivors for their needs. And note this is no longer condemnation reserved just for those who express that need, but also for those of us who - without confronting anyone, without protest or complaint - simply self-exclude. A purely defensive measure for our own protection is now an expression of transphobia.

That is a record of some sort, I'm sure. Not one to be proud of, but a record nonetheless.

Why does a rape crisis centre have equality and diversity promotion as its first purpose?

So that Mridul Wadhwa can narcissistically abuse many, many women (not just users and potential users of ERCC, look how many of us are affected/bothered by this) at the same time under the guise of trans activism. I don't think MW really gives a toss about other trans people, they're just a handy tool to be used in MW's cause, which is control and abuse.

So this talk was on intersection stuff? Did the discuss the intersection between sex and religion in accessing rape services?

In fact the position has been used to successfully refocus the services to meet male needs to the detriment and active exclusion of females. The primary requirement for a female in crisis trying to access this service is now not her need, but whether she is able to prioritise the feelings and needs of male users above her own and to conform with the personal political agendas of the service leaders. It's an appalling state of affairs.

Equality, for women, means allowing organisations centering women because men have physical and structural power over us.

Exactly. I despair at the lack of recognition of this by many "feminists".

In this description (probably from their press team or website) when Wadhwa was appointed earlier this year they have added "non binary people":

Established in 1978, ERCC is the largest rape crisis centre in Scotland, providing therapeutic and emotional support, information and advocacy for women, non-binary people, members of the trans community and young people aged 12 and over in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian who have experienced sexual violence. ERCC also works in schools and with young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to raise awareness of sexual violence and deliver prevention workshops.

theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/05/new-boss-for-edinburgh-rape-crisis-centre/

Equality, for women, means allowing organisations centering women because men have physical and structural power over us.

Sure a rape crisis centre can cater for males who have experienced rape (by other males) too. But separately and not by deception and coercion and using one's privileges to campaign against women's rights.

Here's a report they published in 2016 giving a survivor's account of her rape and the aftermath. It includes this text, members of the trans community mentioned but no mention of "men":

Established in 1978, Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre is a specialist support, advocacy and information service for women, members of the transgender community and young people aged 12 and over in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian who are affected by sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. All our services are free and confidential.

www.ercc.scot/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Edinburgh-Rape-Crisis-Centre-A-Womans-Story-230516.pdf

Indeed, Artichoke

Major (and very public) lack of equality and diversity thinking however, every single time it comes to women's protected characteristics getting in the way of centering male ones.

Basic trades description issues there.

It's been posted on the other MW thread but I agree it deserves its own.