News

RASASH Reaffirms Support for Survivors Amid Rising Anti-Migrant Rhetoric

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) is concerned by some of the responses to the UK Government’s plans to house asylum seeking people at the Cameron Barracks in Inverness, namely the perception that migrants pose a greater risk to women and girls’ safety.

RASASH, which provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence across Highland, is troubled by narratives that attempt to link the risk of sexual violence with people seeking asylum. In particular, the deliberate attempts of some groups to weaponise women and girls’ safety to justify hostility toward migrants.

This rhetoric not only spreads unfounded fear but also undermines genuine efforts to address violence against women and girls. It further reinforces the damaging myth that the greatest risk of gender-based violence comes from strangers, when evidence consistently shows otherwise. Key facts about sexual violence in the UK include:

• More than 90% of perpetrators of rape and sexual assault are known to their victims.
• One in two rapes against women are carried out by a partner or ex-partner.
• One in three adult survivors are raped in their own home.

(Figures from the National Office for Statistics, 2025)

“It is an uncomfortable reality that sexual violence is committed overwhelmingly by the men already in women’s and girls’ lives. The Highlands are unfortunately no exception,” states Eileen Stuart, RASASH Board Chair.

“We are aware that anti-migrant protests nationally have invoked concerns for women’s and girls’ safety based on the misguided belief that asylum seekers pose a greater risk. Sexual violence is rooted in misogyny, inequality, and power – not immigration status or nationality.”

RASASH unequivocally condemns all violence against women and girls and the profound harm it causes to individuals, families, and communities. We urge everyone to reject fear-mongering and misinformation that detract from meaningful efforts to end sexual violence. If we are serious about keeping women and girls safe, we must focus collectively on addressing the root causes of sexual violence: power, control, and inequality.

RASASH provides support to anyone aged 13+ affected by sexual violence—regardless of gender—as well as to non-abusing partners, friends, and family members. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, please contact our confidential support line.

Contact Information for Confidential Support? 

Call us for support on 03330 066909 
Text us on 07451 288080
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 1-5pm

Rape Crisis Scotland helpline 08088 010302
Daily 5pm-midnight?