Black Womens Rape Action Project Archives

In the media: A woman who accused a therapist of raping her during a therapy session has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages after winning a civil case against him.

20 June 2024

A woman who accused a therapist of raping her during a therapy session has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages after winning a civil case against him. Jess Warren, BBC News, PA Media News agency, 19 June 2024 Ella Janneh sued Michael Lousada, 57, over claims he raped and sexually assaulted her at his clinic in Belsize Park, …

Women in Yarl’s Wood Removal Centre on hunger strike protesting against SERCO’s draconian regime

13 July 20239 May 2007

Mothers join hunger strike Today 91 families, mainly single mothers with their children, some of whom have been detained for over three months, have joined the protest. Mothers report that after 5pm their kids go hungry as there is no food available until 8am the next morning. Children can’t manage under such harsh conditions. Most …

Statement: Dispatches Racism – A danger to all women.

20 July 202323 November 1998

BWRAP speak out against the racist BBC programme. Dispatches promoted racist stereotypes with the dangerous lie that most gang rape is committed by Black boys. This leaves Black women even more vulnerable to rape.

In the media: What black viewers think

20 July 202319 November 1998

In the Guardian, an article responding to Dispatches programme. This documentary has demonised young black men – stereotyping them as sexual attackers and the effects of such racism is profound.

Statement: Legal precedent for rape victimes seeking asylum

20 July 20239 December 1997

We call for an official recognition of rape victims’ suffering. Ms G fled Uganda in 1989 following multiple attacks of rape and violence she suffered from soldiers. Here is the statement issued by Black Women’s Rape Action Project which marks an important legal precedent for rape survivors seeking asylum …

Home office accepts rape ordeal as grounds for asylum

14 July 202314 June 1996

A Kurdish women raped by Turkish police has been given UK asylum. As reported in the Hampstead and Highgate Express in June 1996, the overturning of the Home Office’s original ruling was an important moment in legal history.

Press release: In defending Sammy Davis, women defend themselves against rape

6 July 20232 December 1994

This victory makes legal history. However, it is now urgent that the Home Secretary allows Mr Davis to return back to the UK.

Cracker programme (TV) – protest racism

14 July 202325 November 1994

A Danger to Women.

Granada television's episodes of Cracker promotes the classic racist stereotype of Black rapist and white victim.

In the media: TV rape slur angers black viewers

14 July 202324 November 1994

As reported in The Weekly Journal, drama production Cracker is under attack from a Black Women’s group for its portrayal of Black men as rapists. Women Against Rape demand that the remaining two programmes are withdrawn and not televised.

Letter to Granada Television: speaking out against racial stereotyping

14 July 20232 June 1994

We raise concerns about the proposed TV episode of Cracker. We object to the information we gave Granada TV, based on women’s experiences and struggle, being misused to give credibility to a dangerous stereotype.