Big update on Rape Crisis legal challenge

[IamSarah]

I know many of you have been waiting for an update so first of all thank you for your patience and the many messages of support.

I am suing Survivors Network, the Sussex Rape Crisis service, as it refused to offer a single sex women’s group in addition to the mixed sex women’s groups. By mixed sex I mean inclusive of any males who identify as women.

I’ve been granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case and it was submitted to Brighton County Court today.

I am being represented by law firm Didlaw and my Barrister is Naomi Cunningham (Chair of Sex Matters). So far they have acted pro bono which I am incredibly grateful for as it has taken a lot of time. The team are confident I have a good case but this is unchartered territory for women’s rights.

Many of you have very kindly offered to be involved and help with gardening. I don’t think I’m allowed to share details on here so please go to my Twitter page http://twitter.com/SarahSurviving/ which has all the info in a pinned post.

Of you’re not on Twitter feel free to send me a DM for more information on how you can help the case. Any publicity you can give the crowd funder would really help.

Thank you everyone.

Sarah x

I will see if I can do a bit of agitating in legal circles to draw attention to the fact

If Sarah is fine with this, thank you. Not a legal bod but I was totally disgusted by the pro bono thing too and was wondering about how the legal profession would view it. What a horrible choice to make. Sarah mentioned their legal team are all men, too.

Thank you @SweetGrapes I found a reference Reed Smith on the Survivors Network website too, in a press release about the case.

Funnily enough Reed Smith don’t seem to mention that they are acting in this case on the pro bono pages of their website. There’s lots on there about how they help survivors of domestic abuse though!

I will wait to hear back from Sarah, as I don’t want to do anything without her blessing.

Thanks so much @CraggyIslandTouristBoard you have my full blessing!

Yes there are two male lawyers from Reed Smith working pro bono for Survivors Network.

Two males working for free, fighting a case opposing women's rights to single sex rape crisis therapy.

I wonder if anyone working at the 'feminist' Survivors Network finds that weird.

Sadly I'm sure they'll be all passionate about look at them supporting a far more interesting and important kind of woman above the mere female pest kind.

Some interesting articles about the culture at Stonewall Diversity Champions Reed Smith
www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2010/12/07/Attorney-files-pay-equity-suit-against-Reed-Smith/stories/201012070241

www.law.com/njlawjournal/2021/01/19/former-partner-sues-reed-smith-alleging-gender-discrimination/

@IamSarah just posting in support again and so sorry you are being treated so horrifically, you are amazingly brave and strong. Will try and whip up some more gardening for you!

So sorry to hear this Sarah. You have enough to be dealing with.

Sending strength

Also sorry to hear about this Sarah. You and your family should be able to get on with your lives without harassment.

An update for those following my case.

My claim was served to the Defendant (Survivors Network) last week and they have 28 days to respond. I have updated the crowd funding page with this info too.

Survivors Network have really doubled down on the trans activism, have a look at their Instagram page and you will see what I mean.

Among other things they are lauding Juno Dawson as a trans icon which is a bizarre move for a rape crisis centre.

Juno Dawson has written a book for teenagers glamorising rape.

safeschoolsallianceuk.net/2022/03/20/wonderland-by-juno-dawson-a-review/amp/

I'll keep you posted of developments.

Sarah x

I saw that yesterday Sarah, I absolutely cannot understand how cruel some people can be. I'm so sorry, the JD thing is just vile. Thanks for keeping us up to date, and sending you lots of luck. X

Can't see what they've put up but must say their tagline is particularly ironic seeing as they left women like you without services.
I hope you are looking after yourself as this can't be helping your recovery. At the same time what you are doing is raising awareness and hopefully will help others access suitable help in the future, so ensuring others wont be retraumatised in future.
It's important work you are doing, you are doing the right thing.

I wish you the best Sarah. So sorry you are going through this. 💕

All the best to you, Sarah. We're all here for you.

Thank you for updating us. I'm wishing you all the best and doing a little more gardening to keep your case green and growing!

I am thinking of you Sarah, and sending love and solidarity.

Good luck Sarah, keep going

Bumping for gardening! Good luck Sarah 💐💐

Respect, Sarah. Sending strength.

Bumping

Bump

Thank you bumpers and gardeners

We are almost at target so have kept the garden open for another 30 days.

Just done a bit of gardening here. Bumping for payday :-D

Good to see you are nearly at target Sarah. Just gardened a bit more and hoping others can too.

Donated again. I would have thought your right to true single sex spaces has been clarified in recent EHRC guidance.

Go Sarah. Sorry to hear abou5 the people trying to hurt you again ❤️