Some of the most impactful events that Represent Women attends are those planned and facilitated by women’s organisations. They are thoughtfully designed, create spaces that are both considerate and meaningful, and resonate long after the event has ended.
‘It starts with Survivors’ was no different.
A collaboration between the three North East rape crisis centres; Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland (RCTN), Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) and ARCH Teesside, ‘It Starts with Survivors’ was filled with inspirational speakers, useful insight into statistics and campaigns and overall powerful messages of strength and resilience.
First, we heard from the National Policy lead for Rape Crisis England and Wales (RCEW), who all three North East centres are accredited by. Maxime Rowson gave an overview of how RCEW runs national campaigns, as well as giving an honest account of some of the challenges faced by the policy team, made up of only three staff members. She also shared some shocking statistics from a 2025 report (which you can read here), the most sobering stating more than half of rape crisis centres may be forced to cut counselling services.
Maxime also gave an overview of some of the challenges women face when providing evidence in court. She highlighted the extent to which survivors have highly personal information, including medical records, scrutinised and shared as part of the legal process. Maxime shared one of the charity’s policy successes: one of their campaigns led to the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 being amended to ensure that, ‘a counselling information request may be made only if the authorised person has reason to believe that the information sought is likely to have substantial probative value to a reasonable line of enquiry being pursued.’ This will go a long way in reducing some of the trauma experienced by women going through court.
To close, Maxime shared a powerful reminder that “Rape Crisis England and Wales has always been a movement by women and for women.” With 36 independent member organisations across the country, it was reassuring to hear about the support, advocacy and collective strength provided by this national membership body.
Next, we heard from Victoria and Jemma from RSACC who guided us through the process of co-producing their educational training resources. The project, which was developed alongside a group of women with lived experience, some of whom took on voice-acting roles within the final production, was commissioned by Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioners Office. The short film aims to help professionals better understand the realities and impact of sexual violence through a more immersive and emotionally resonant learning experience. It was a powerful example of how lived experience can be meaningfully embedded into training to create lasting impact and improve professional practice.
One of the main messages we took away from this piece of work was ‘try and walk beside and see the walk that they survived’, a perfect summary of what it means to empathise with others and truly understand what happened to them.
We then heard from Kerri, Sexual Violence Counsellor Participation & Training Coordinator at ARCH Teesside and members of their Survivors Alliance Network, who were represented by Holly, Hailey and another member. They spoke about how the group gets together once a month and always has fresh ideas to discuss…they also informed us that there are always biscuits! They spoke about the ripple effect created by both their campaigning work and the sense of sisterhood fostered within the organisation and the group and described gaining the confidence and support needed to take their experiences and learning back into the wider world, whether by supporting other women, influencing policies and practices within their workplaces, or contributing their expertise on panels, advisory groups, and decision-making forums. Their lived experience continues to drive change, ensuring women’s voices are heard and embedded in systems, services, and organisations. Their honesty and openness to share their stories and talk about the importance of advocacy was inspirational.
Donna from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland also gave us an honest and powerful account of her journey from receiving support from RCTN to becoming an activist and a helpline volunteer for the charity. Her story demonstrates the transformative impact of specialist women’s services, not only in supporting recovery but in helping women rebuild confidence and use their experiences to support others.
One of the women from the, Survivors Alliance Network is a perfect example of when women come together to support one another, as she said when it came to speaking up about what happened to her, she felt ‘the difference of being heard could be the difference of another woman or child going through what I went through.’
Women and girls organisations are committed to the care and service they provide; Donna vouched for this as she also shared that the RCTN team worked alongside her to explore the potential benefits and challenges of being open about her experiences with family and friends, ensuring she could make an informed decision that felt right for her. She was met with care, sensitivity and support from the organisation which demonstrates the thoughtful, person-centred approach that women’s organisations take, placing choice, wellbeing and empowerment at the heart of their work.
Donna left us with a powerful reminder that sits at the heart of RCTN’s work: “No matter how long ago it happened, we believe you.” It’s a simple but profound message, reflecting the compassion and understanding that survivors can expect when they reach out to RCTN for help.
Well done to all three organisations for creating a space that centred survivors and their experiences. It was a sobering event, but also a powerful reminder of the phenomenal work being carried out every day by these women’s organisations. It was moving to join others in remembering survivors, reflecting on the challenges they continue to face, and recognising the dedication, compassion and expertise that underpin this vital work.
Need support or advice?
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland – We Believe You
Helpline: 0800 035 2794 Call our Helpline for listening support
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre- Darlington and County Durham
ARCH Teesside- Sexual Violence Services in Teesside
Rape Crisis England and Wales – National charity
With a 24/7 support line
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
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