CSLS partners with Rape Crisis England & Wales and the British Library for an oral history of the Rape Crisis movement

The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) is delighted to be partnering with the national charity Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) to produce 30 oral history recordings. These will be lodged at National Life Stories, at the British Library, as a permanent and open access national archive. The project will trace and celebrate 50 years of the Rape Crisis movement in England and Wales and, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The research is led at CSLS by Professor Linda Mulcahy and Dr Ellie Whittingdale. The 30 oral history interviews aim to capture the stories and lives of activists involved in the Rape Crisis movement.

Sara Kilner, Rape Crisis England & Wales, commented:

“It’s so important for us to recognise and acknowledge the voices and stories that have shaped Rape Crisis. This project affirms the cultural significance of the Rape Crisis movement and will honour the women who have provided vital support to so many victims and survivors.”

Mary Stewart, Director of National Life Stories, commented:

“This is an important partnership for the British Library which will add thirty in-depth interviews to the oral history collection, providing unparalleled insights into the heritage of the Rape Crisis centre movement across England & Wales. Researchers now and in the future will be able to understand the vital contribution of Rape Crisis centres and their context within the Women's Liberation Movement.”

The project team, hosted at CSLS and RCEW, will work closely with the UK’s leading oral history fieldwork charity, National Life Stories, at the British Library. This will give much-needed recognition to the rich heritage of the English and Welsh Rape Crisis movement. 

If you have any questions relating to the project, please email: eleanor.whittingdale@csls.ox.ac.uk.