“Although there are no official statistics available, experience and research suggest that a large proportion of women seeking asylum in the UK (claim to) have experienced rape in their country of origin. The role and relevance of this sexual violation within their asylum claim will vary, of course, but for many it will form a key part of the narrative as to why the woman fled and why she fears return. Despite this, there has been little dedicated attention afforded to the ways in which claims of rape emerge within the asylum process, of the barriers that might prevent disclosure, or of the difficulties which decision-makers might face in responding to and evaluating the credibility of such claims. In a context in which concerns have been expressed regarding the handling of women’s asylum claims and there is a wealth of pre-existing research in the criminal justice system pointing to the tenacity of dubious expectations regarding ‘normal’ rape victim’s behaviour during and post-assault, the researchers set out to subject these factors to more rigorous scrutiny.”
Date: 28th October 2013, 4.00-6.00pm
Location: Room G37 (Ground Floor), Senate House, South Block, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU
Charge: Free, registration required
More information can be found here.
