This article is very problematic
Given that it was in Leeds in 2022 that a trans identified male sex offender called Katie Dolatowski got themselves housed in a women’s refuge, I am shocked that a Leeds based woman’s refuge manager was quoted in this way. I provide a link to the report at end of my comment
Equality and human rights law works alongside safeguarding . Where the rights of several different groups are engaged, then everyone’s needs are considered.
Yes trans identified people need such refuge and rape crisis services but the exceptions in the Equality Act allowing for single and separate sex services are there to ensure that sex based rights to dignity, privacy and safety are met.
It recognises that some vulnerable women victims have a trauma response in the presence of any male and that ensures some women don’t self exclude due to the risk of the presence of someone of the opposite sex ( whether for cultural, trauma or other reason). Karen Ingala Smith has written powerfully on the issue of trauma informed services and need for single and separate services in her book “Defending Women’s Spaces”.
It is both possible and legal to have a variety of separate services to meet the human rights, equality and safeguarding needs of all.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/politics/sex-offender-stayed-in-leeds-womens-refuge-for-71-days-as-campaigners-protest-leeds-council-over-scandal-3920683
A response to a Guardian article published 2nd May 2025
