Self ID women being asked to volunteer in Devon Rape Crisis Centre *Triggering - rape*

[Theendofmyrope]

AIBU to think this is just fucking insane? Is this how it is going to be from now on? As the parent of a rape victim I feel beyond angry. Is no place safe for women now?

That said, given my own personal experiences, I’d rather speak to a woman rather than a trans woman in counselling, which I did. My daughter was offered counselling with an organisation that amongst other things, offered support to children suffering the after effects of growing up with DV. I turned it down as the only person available was male and my daughter needed someone who she could trust and confide in. And a man did not fulfil that role.

Are transgender females never rape victims then?

I'm sure they are, but I'm not sure why you think they would rather speak to a male to female transexual rather than a woman or indeed a man?

Of course there should be support for transwomen. But that shouldn't come at the cost of excluding women who are traumatised victims of sexual violence and who don't wish to share spaces with or be counselled by biological males. Providing support from one group shouldn't mean removing it from another.

I'm sure they are, but I'm not sure why you think they would rather speak to a male to female transexual rather than a woman or indeed a man?
I never said they wouldn't, not then why also wouldn't they, other than prejudice against trans?

Would. But then

Possibly because they feel comfortable talking to someone they can relate to. Someone they feel safe with.
Just like some females can only do this with another female.

Theendofmyrope TRANS WOMEN ARE WOMEN.

From the link it’s not clear what you mean but if they are actively seeking out transgender volunteers (which they don’t seem to be from that link) I would wonder if they have a few trans clients who they think could work well with a trans volunteer.

Most rape crisis centres work with trans women and I believe trans women do have a reasonably high rate of experiencing sexual assault so it might make sense. Some rape crisis centres also work with men, as does that one looking at that link. So I don’t really see the issue.

Imagine plucking up the courage to phone their helpline and someone with a male voice answering.

I'm sure they are, but I'm not sure why you think they would rather speak to a male to female transexual rather than a woman or indeed a man?

Is this a serious question?

When going through something traumatic and seeking support, wouldn't you rather talk to someone who can understand your particular set of circumstances?

Stop it, Reliz.

Relizeliz - shouting mantras might make you feel all woke and virtuous. But most women, especially those who have been raped, understand what male biology is.

If you really believe that a transwoman is a woman, you are going to have to define what a woman is, please? Could you explain this to us?

Stop what? Trans women are women.

LemonDifficult. Isn’t this the exact reason women want to deal with natal women helpers? Why do women get repeatedly shit on as soon as a trans “need” raises it’s head?

HeadintheiClouds there is nowhere for trans women to go. Are you suggesting they shouldn't seek support?

Imagine plucking up the courage to phone their helpline and someone with a male voice answering.
And why are you assuming that?

Also, just imagine you're trans and a rape victim, and people talk about you like people do here. FFS, why is the immediate assumption that this is to the exclusion of women counsellors or that victims won't have access to women? I know - nasty prejudice, that's why. Pure and simple.

Women don't have penises. Being a female is biological reality - and no amount of feelings will change that.

I respect the right of people to dress how they want and call themselves what they want, but there are biological differences between males and females which no amount of self-identification will ever change.

A female rape victim should not be confronted by a penis owning “woman” counsellor. I think this thread is about to be derailed by someone with an agenda. Again. Even though they cannot explain what a woman actually is.

Stop what? Trans women are women

Stunning argument. I’m convinced.

So, let me get this right:

It's okay, to be expected and totally understandable for trans people to want to be supported and counselled by trans people at a very vulnerable time.

It's not okay for women (as in dictionary-defined) to want to be supported and counselled by women (as above) at a very vulnerable time.

Did I get it right?

That’s not remotely what I suggested, LemonDifficult. Do you have a comprehension problem?

Perhaps they're aiming for equal representation from all demographics they offer services to. I can certainly believe that some trans people would feel more comfortable speaking to a fellow transperson

-It's not okay for women (as in dictionary-defined) to want to be supported and counselled by women (as above) at a very vulnerable time.*
Where did you actually get that from? Where does it say that? Where's the basis for that suggestion?

There is no suggestion anywhere that I can find that vulnerable women will be dealt with by transgender volunteers.

You would all be kicking off if a female volunteer was forced to deal with a trans woman as well.

There is literally no winning sometimes.