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Background

RASASC North Wales was established in 1984 by a group of women who wanted to support other women affected by rape and sexual violence. In 2005, our services expanded to support men and boys, and we now provide trauma‑informed support to survivors of all genders across North Wales.

We recognise that sexual violence is a gender‑based crime that disproportionately affects women and girls. Many women require a female‑only therapeutic environment to feel safe and able to engage in support. At the same time, sexual violence affects people of all sexes and gender identities, and we continue to provide dedicated, respectful, inclusive services for all survivors.

Terminology and Values

The words we use matter. We aim to be clear, respectful and survivor‑centred in all communication.

• When RASASC NW refers to sex, we are referring to biological sex.
• When we refer to gender, we are referring to the way a person identifies.

We treat every survivor with dignity and use the names and pronouns they request. While the law requires us to use the protected characteristic of sex when providing single‑sex services, we remain committed to inclusive, trauma‑informed support for everyone.

Our Approach to Women Only and Men Only Spaces

RASASC NW offers specialist advocacy and counselling for survivors of all genders. The safety, privacy and dignity of our clients are essential to effective therapeutic support.

Women‑Only (Single‑Sex) Spaces

Under the Equality Act 2010, and as confirmed by the UK Supreme Court in April 2025, women‑only spaces may be provided as single‑sex services, meaning they are for biological females.
These spaces are offered because many women feel safer and more supported when accessing recovery in a female‑only environment.

Men‑Only (Single‑Sex) Spaces

We also provide men‑only services for biological males, recognising the need for safe, gender‑appropriate therapeutic environments for men and boys affected by sexual violence.

Gender‑Specific Spaces for Trans and Non‑Binary Survivors

We recognise that trans and non‑binary survivors also experience disproportionate rates of sexual violence. While legal definitions require women‑only spaces to be single‑sex, we provide gender‑specific groups and support for trans survivors that uphold privacy, dignity and safety.

Mixed Groups

In some circumstances — for example, groups for parents/carers of abused children — mixed‑gender or mixed‑sex groups may be appropriate and beneficial.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring our approach is proportionate, lawful, respectful and survivor‑centred.

• We will regularly review the needs of the people who use our services to make sure our approach to single‑sex and gender‑specific provision remains appropriate, proportionate and in line with national guidance.
• We will clearly communicate the basis on which our women‑only and men‑only services are offered, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant case law.
• We will continue to provide high‑quality, inclusive support for trans and non‑binary survivors through gender‑specific or mixed‑group provision, ensuring that nobody is left without a safe service option.
• We will record and monitor service uptake by sex and gender identity to better understand the profile and needs of our clients and to guide service development.
• Our approach will continue to be rooted in intersectional, trauma‑informed and anti‑oppressive practice, ensuring that services are accessible, safe and respectful for everyone.