In the 1970s and 1980s, a generation of women dared to speak the unspeakable and demanded a better life for women. This episode follows the birth of the Rape Crisis movement in Britain. Founders, volunteers, and current staff reflect on the feminist ideals that drove these women — and the tension between activism and survival as they built a service from scratch, in the face of silence and stigma.

This series was made possible thanks to the voices and contributions of the women interviewed.

Produced by Riham Moussa, with the assistance of Mary Holditch.

Special thanks to Dr Ellie Whittingdale, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Oxford; Anna Cole, Heritage Lead; and Kelly Bennaton, Communications and Marketing Lead at Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the movement matured, so did its internal and external challenges. In this episode, women reflect on the struggle to stay rooted in feminist values while navigating power structures, limited resources, and growing demand. They speak candidly about what true inclusivity means, the emotional toll, and the ongoing pressure of managing long waiting lists.

This series was made possible thanks to the voices and contributions of the women interviewed.

Produced by Riham Moussa, with the assistance of Mary Holditch.

Special thanks to Dr Ellie Whittingdale, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Oxford; Anna Cole, Heritage Lead; and Kelly Bennaton, Communications and Marketing Lead at Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Rape Crisis centres fight for survival amid austerity and competitive tendering. Workers talk about burnout, underfunding, and why survivor-centered care is still worth fighting for — even as efforts to professionalise the service bring both benefits and tensions. The shift away from relying on volunteers — once the backbone of the movement — is felt deeply across the sector.

This series was made possible thanks to the voices and contributions of the women interviewed.

Produced by Riham Moussa, with the assistance of Mary Holditch.

Special thanks to Dr Ellie Whittingdale, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Oxford; Anna Cole, Heritage Lead; and Kelly Bennaton, Communications and Marketing Lead at Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s next? From social enterprises to policy change, women explore new ways to sustain the movement. This episode highlights the role of Rape Crisis England & Wales as the national body working to support member centres and drive structural change — and why ending sexual violence remains the ultimate goal.

This series was made possible thanks to the voices and contributions of the women interviewed.

Produced by Riham Moussa, with the assistance of Mary Holditch.

Special thanks to Dr Ellie Whittingdale, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Oxford; Anna Cole, Heritage Lead; and Kelly Bennaton, Communications and Marketing Lead at Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.