Behind the cameras
 | | Tabatha tells how she's moved on with her campaigning |
This is Tabatha Brice's personal story of making the Inside Out film... "Would you like to make a film for the BBC?" they said. "Sure - I really care about the cause, but I'm not used to being on camera and I was very nervous at first. "Still, Amy and Alastair (the crew) helped to keep me calm and I found myself learning so much about how programmes are actually made. "The thoughts I had of how easy it was and how glamorous it was were soon replaced by how cold it is standing around for lighting to be right, shots to be correct, making sure you were wearing the same clothes on each day, and how quickly you can eat a meal in between filming. "And lots and lots of driving!" Victim support "The first place we went was Gloucester Victim Support. "I thought they were absolutely brilliant. They were so dedicated and passionate about their work.  | | Expert on rape - Gill Hague from Bristol |
"Laura said she was nervous being on camera, but she gave the most interesting answers of everyone. "I said she should just talk to me and forget the others, and that was how we got over being camera shy. "Getting to meet Gill Hague (an expert in rape convictions at Bristol University) was a real privilege for me. "I've read some of her books but I didn't realise until I was there in her office that I was meeting the author! "It was amazing that such a busy person gave us her time and I really enjoyed talking to her and getting her views." Meeting the Police "I could have talked the day away, but no time for that it was back in the car and on to meet Bernie Kinsella at Gloucester Police. "He said even he was nervous - and it was nice to see a policeman a bit nervous!!  | | Filming with the Police - Bernie Kinsella meets Tabatha Brice |
"But he seemed very genuine and I liked him, although I wasn't sure about the shots of us walking together - he is well over six feet and I am only five feet. "Again I could have talked for longer but time was never really on your side. "I never realised how much went into making a film. "Just getting all the equipment from one place to another was an ordeal!"
Emotional journey "So on to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Swindon. "This is the type of centre that Gloucester are hoping to open. "Here I met the lovely Jools. Jools was the most nervous of all the people we met, and we tried to keep each other calm when the cameras went on! "But she was really great and showed us their wonderful centre.
"The SARC was the most emotional thing for me. I think a lot of people will use it when they realise they don't have to give their name. "And it is so fantastic to see that there are places where victims of sexual assault can come and get the treatment they deserve."
"As it is, without these centres the help given is inadequate and I hope many more of them will open in the future."
Making a difference "Finally I met Adrian Foster at the CPS (the Crown Prosecution Service, who take cases through the courts).  | | Listening to rape victims is important |
"He was the most difficult of all of the people we met to interview, but he was welcoming and he listened to my point of view. "He even admitted off camera that mistakes had been made. "I am pleased they are making some changes now. "He gave me his card and invited me to a court room to look at how things have changed in a rape case. "And that is something that I might do, because I want to be sure that these changes are happening. "I came home having heard answers to my questions. "Some better than others, but I feel it is just the start."
"While filming I felt I was making a difference to what is going on by speaking out. "And I am now working on this and getting more publicity to make sure that a SARC gets opened in Bristol, where there is no centre or even rape crisis line." Great experience "It has been an absolutely great experience working on this film. "If I ever get the chance again, I will bring some indigestion tablets for the two minute meals and a big warm coat for the waiting around scenes.  | | Valuable role - Victim Support can help pick up the pieces |
"Thanks once again to Amy and Alastair, and our very patient camera man for helping me when I was nervous and for giving me the freedom to ask the questions I felt were important. "I am sure this programme will make a difference, however big or small. "One small voice joined to others makes a loud noise and we need to be heard. "Would I do it again? "In a heartbeat!" Advice and support... If you've been affected by any of the issues in the programme on rape, you can obtain help from the following bodies: 
Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900 -
Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime. Sapphire - 020 7321 7359/7179
For safety tips and advice. Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) - Helpline 020 8683 3300 / Counselling 020 8683 3311 -
Telephone support and counselling service for women who have been raped or sexually abused. The Swindon Sanctuary - 01793 709512
Support for victims of rape in Wiltshire.
Email enquiries@tawhillsurgery.com Victim Support Gloucestershire - 01452 506 450
Advice and support.
Email vsggloucestervs@uk.uumail.com Links relating to this story:The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites | 
Inside Out - West: Friday February 23, 2007
