Strikes cause sexual violence victims to miss out on vital support
Counsellors supporting survivors say a significant number of people they help are having to cancel sessions because they can't get to them
Last updated 5th Aug 2022
It's claimed an increasing number of victims of sexual violence across Merseyside are missing vital counselling sessions due to the ongoing strikes on public transport.
Arriva workers are in their third week of strike action in a dispute over bus drivers pay, and there have also been several walk outs by RMT staff on the rail network.
RASA Merseyside supports survivors of rape and sexual assault across our region.
Lorraine Wood from the organisation has told us it's a really fragile situation :
"Over the last three weeks there have been an awful lot of clients who have cancelled due to the bus and train strikes.
"It can have a significant impact on mental health if they are missing those sessions and we can't get them back and if that's happening with us it'll be happening with all sorts of appointments that people just can't get to.
"It's really difficult but we understand why the stirkes are happening and the challengs bus drivers and transport staff are facing, but I don't think we conisdered the impact this might have on people's mental health".
We asked the tranpsort operators and unions whether they would like to comment on the claims.
Lisa Perason from Arriva sent us this statement :
"We are very sorry to hear this and we remain extremely concerned about the impact of on-going strikes for all sectors of the community. We have repeatedly called on the trade unions to call off this unnecessary action and put our pay offer to their members, so they can vote and bring an end to the misery being inflicted on the people of Merseyside".
Meanwhile and RMT spokesperson added :
“We are sorry for the disruption strike action is causing to people's lives. That’s why it is incumbent upon Network Rail and the train operating companies to find a negotiated settlement that deals with job security, pay and working conditions of our members, so this dispute can be brought to an end swiftly.”