RASASC Update in funding situation
After making the outrageous decision in July to withdraw £27,000 from London’s flagship Rape Crisis Centre, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC), Croydon Council announced on Friday that funding of £22,000 would be reinstated.
Though reduced, this cut is more in line with expectations from the National Budget and much more manageable in terms of lessening impact on the women who use the service.
How did this sudden change of heart come about? From us – the women’s sector!
The reversal was heavily influenced by an immense amount of public pressure on Council Lead Mike Fisher, generated mostly through spreading the word via Facebook, Twitter, Women in London, the London Feminist Network and WRC. Local press who have always been supportive of RASASC got involved and there was a huge turnout at the council meeting held just after the cuts were announced.
RASASC are relieved at the reversal and want to pass on their gratitude to everyone who showed their support, from writing letters or emails or simply talking to friends about the cuts and getting the message out there that specialist women’s services deserve sustainable, long term funding. With the current economic climate the way it is, the proposed cuts from London Councils and stories coming in about other Local Authorities across the country, this may be a timely sign that there is still power in collective action.
Don’t take the cuts lying down! Let’s use our networks to save our services.
