Statement of Values

Rape Crisis Midwest (RCM) works to protect and support all people from all forms of sexual violence. RCM primarily supports survivors of sexual violence through free and confidential support, advocacy and counselling, working from an intersectional feminist framework. RCM is a non-judgemental inclusive organisation that welcomes the diversity and differences in our society and works with the intention of providing services to any person that may need support.

The ethos of RCM is based on operating a recovery model which is fundamentally different in its approach to a clinical / medical model. The core of this difference is that the structure of service delivery, the models of support and counselling in place and the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers, are all informed by understanding the nature of power and the abuse of power implicit in the perpetration of sexual violence.

RCM responds to the needs of survivors of all forms of sexual violence – both recent and historical. Using a feminist analysis of violence, and bringing the voice, experience and expertise of individual survivors. RCM also works to inform changes in legislation, education, policy development and societal attitudes on a local, regional and national level, to benefit all society.

RCM services utilise a survivor-centred and trauma-informed service delivery model. This model operates from the knowledge that survivors have the capacity to grow and heal and that they are the experts in what they need. Survivor identified indicators of recovery and healing inform the way in which the delivery model is shaped.

Delivering a trauma-informed model means services begin from the understanding that a survivor’s reactions are a normal response to trauma. RCM believes that responding to sexual violence in our society and holding perpetrators to account starts with supporting survivors in ways that are respectful of their dignity, healing and choices. RCM works to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and to counteract rape culture and victim blaming.