Young Shetlander presents survey results on perceptions of sexual violence

Gracie Gowans-Little, a high-school graduate, has compiled her findings for a Social Science Baccalaureate project started while in S6. The “Perceptions of sexual violence in Shetland” project was created out of a genuine interest in the topic and a gap within the research sphere.

Gracie says she “wanted to raise awareness about sexual violence in Shetland due to the culturing of silencing survivors and challenging social norms.”

There were 325 responses to her online survey which informed the depth of this project.

The project includes key findings, such as;

• A breakdown analysis of awareness regarding the work of local charities involved in the project (The Compass Centre, Shetland Women’s Aid, Space2Face, The OPEN Project and Victim Support Shetland).
• Barriers of addressing sexual violence and accessing support in Shetland.

Gracie continues “Having received an overwhelming response from the community, I feel heartened to see such a large amount of people who care about this issue in Shetland. With this being a project for the Social Science Baccalaureate, I did not expect it to become as big as it has become, and I am incredibly grateful for all the input I have received from the community. This report would be impossible without the 325 people who took the time to complete my survey, and for that, thank you!! In particular, I want to say thank you to those who have shared personal experiences with me through the survey. Your willingness to help me understand this important issue further is invaluable.”

“Through my research I have learned so much from 5 amazing local charities; Space2Face, The Compass Centre, Women’s Aid, Victim Support Shetland and The Open Project. I was welcomed with such kindness from each charity and was motivated after each interview to complete this project to the very best of my ability in order to do such inspiring charities justice.”

Ellie Ratter, Prevention and Activism Practitioner at the Compass Centre, says “Reading through the Baccalaureate, you can see the level of time and effort that has gone into this project. I am so proud of Gracie for all the work she has completed and that she trusts us to highlight this piece of work. All work is her own and I know that this research will pave the way for further participation in the future. Thank you for addressing this important issue which is usually swept under the carpet.”

Gracie’s Baccalaureate awarded her a distinction, and she has decided to share the results of this amazing project through our website.

If you would like to read more of the Baccalaureate, click on the ‘related downloads’ link to the right of this page!

Helplines:

· The Compass Centre – Monday – Thursday 9am – 1.30pm – 01595 747174

· Rape Crisis Scotland – Everyday 5pm – midnight - 08088 01 03 02 / Text: 07537 410 027

· Shetland Women’s Aid – 01595 692 070

· NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) - Survivors over the age of 16 can self-refer for Forensic Medical Examinations (FMEs), meaning that you don’t need to make any immediate decisions about whether to report to the police. FMEs can be accessed through the NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). You can refer yourself to SARCS by calling their dedicated number, free from landlines and mobiles. 0800 148 88 88 (available 24/7). SARCS will also meet your other immediate healthcare needs, such as emergency contraception, and refer you to support services.