Gloucestershire sexual abuse charity calls for "culture of change" in sexual violence against women
The topic has been thrown into the headlines following the death of Sarah Everard
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Charity (GRASAC) is calling for a "culture of change" in attitudes towards sexual violence against women.
The topic has hit the headlines following the death of of Sarah Everard in London - and following the sentencing of a former Conservative Gloucester City Councillor who pleaded guilty to upskirting offences.
Yesterday, 41-year-old Lee Hawthorne, of Abbeydale in Gloucester, was sentenced to 9 months in prison, suspended for two years in relation to two incidents of voyeurism.
It's in relation to to an incident at a branch of TK Maxx in Gloucester on the 27th June 2019.
He also admitted a separate charge of voyeurism which happened in Gloucester between 2015 and 2019.
Mr Hawthorne – who resigned from his role at the City Council in April 2020 – has also been ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and complete 30 rehabilitation days over the next 2 years.
Maggie Stewart, CEO of GRASAC, said:
"We don't want to lose the emphasis so yes it's very important to keep the conversation going but also to have some action.
"It's great talking about it but what we want is changed culture really.
"Education is a good start and that's not just in schools it's education more generally and how we shouldn't be belittling women but how we tackle violence against them.
The impact of sexual harassment and violence towards women has been laid out following the sentence for Mr Hawthorne.
The victim of his offending, who has automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Act, has spoken out following the sentencing.
These are her powerful words:
"That incident and his subsequent denials and lies have made me question my trust in others. It has made me feel very anxious, disrupted my sleep and has given me concern about my mental health.
"Since (the officer) showed me the video I have been tearful and experienced several attacks of anxiety and very low mood, driven by the negative thoughts and feelings of this crime.
"I am worried about the affect this incident will continue to have on me, my family, and my work in the future and have had to take time off work due to the impact of his actions."
Mr Hawthorne became the first person in the county to be convicted of the offence, which came into law in April 2019.
Upskirting is is a colloquial term referring to the action of placing equipment such as a camera or mobile phone beneath a person’s clothing to take a voyeuristic photograph without their permission
Maggie Stuart continued:
"I think stronger messaging around the consequences for perpetrators could work.
"We need to tell people that these laws will be upheld and that people will be imprisoned.
"Is that not enough of a deterrent to stop people from being violent towards women?".
Here's who you can contact if you need help:
GRASAC: Call the helpline on 01452 526770, open Monday 12.00pm – 2.00pm & Tuesday & Wednesday 6.30pm – 8.30pm or visit their website https://www.glosrasac.org/