Intersectional feminists stand up for domestic and sexual violence victims

Sophie Withers is part of a group of 20,000 women all across the UK who feel that “domestic abuse is a national emergency.”

“It started when me and my friend decided to arrange a women’s march [on January 18th].

“We had a vote to see which charity the women involved would want us to support and STARS and ACT came out on top,” Ms Withers said.

STARS is a pan-Dorset charity that supports victims of sexual violence.

ACTS FAST is an organisation that supports family members and carers of children who have faced sexual trauma.

According to UN Women, women suffering from domestic and sexual abuse has gone up by 37% since 2018.

The raffle 

Sophie Withers runs her own business in East Howe, Stripped Waxing.

She is a self employed specialist, and her clientele are mostly women.

The prizes from the raffle are premium waxing treatments that her business offers.

She said: “Now is the time that women are wanting to step up, and obviously part of that is supporting these charities which are pivotal in women’s recovery after sexual abuse.”

Sophie Withers in her own words explains what this event is all about – video by Holly Austin.

Problems affecting sexual abuse education

Ms Withers noted that there isn’t enough education for men at a young age and believes that, “without men onboard with our vision, things will never ever change.”

She also believes that the problem with sexual abuse is that it isn’t talked about enough; the ratio of reports to convictions is extremely low.

“I think that many women aren’t believed about what’s happened to them, the rate of prosecution and reports, there is a huge gap in that.

“We can be seen as exaggerating or moaning about the issue and you know, that’s completely unfair.”

Ms Withers has chosen to defend abuse survivors by collaborating with STARS and ACT charities, because she really believes in their work.

“I see women everyday and I think women need to speak out and stand together.

“I’ve seen how powerful women can be when we all come together and that’s something that’s really important to me.”

Alongside her colleague, she hopes she can raise as much money as possible to help charities pay for counselling and recovery for victims.

She also hopes to further prevent acts of abuse alongside these charities, by spreading awareness about the issue.

Anyone is welcome to enter the raffle, and you can do so .

“Regardless of sexuality, race, disability, you know, we are a big inclusive group of intersectional feminists and we need to stand up to fight for what’s happening.”