Rape Crisis Scotland boss apologises to rape survivors over support centre failings

The chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland apologised "unreservedly" to rape survivors affected by failings at a support centre in Edinburgh.

Sandy Brindley said she would not resign from her role but was focused on addressing concerns raised at Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC).

An independent review, published last week, found that ERCC had not put survivors first and that women-only spaces had not been provided for 16 months.

That led to the resignation of the centre’s chief executive Mridul Wadhwa – a trans woman – who was criticised in the review.

Ms Brindley said there was no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres, but the centres must provide women-only spaces.

She had no role in appointing Ms Wadhwa, but Rape Crisis Scotland sets the standards for member centres.