Women's rights campaigner featured in BBC's Sexsomnia Case Closed documentary.
Committed to improving rape prosecutions and defending reproductive rights.
I'm in the process of suing the CPS for mishandling my rape case. They've admitted their mistakes, however, greater efforts must be made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents for others. The considerable harm they've caused has left a deeply damaging impact.
The anger & fury that sits within me, day in,day out is all-consuming. My rapist was acquitted without a trial, this later transpired to be a mistake by the CPS. He's out there-could be sat next to you on the bus,the table next to you at the pub,the man crossing you on the street
Some of you may or may not know, but I have been working on a project with the BBC over the last three years. After facing numerous challenges navigating the criminal justice system, I teamed up with the BBC to follow my journey…
He was not held accountable, and never faced consequences - it makes me sick to my stomach, I tried everything I could to keep people safe but was let down, we have all been let down.
I'm suing the CPS for mishandling my rape case. While they've admitted their mistakes, more must be done to prevent similar incidents. The harm caused has had a deeply damaging impact. Agencies need to be held accountable for such failures.
My case was closed in October 2020,
Yesterday was a blooming good day. 5 years, 3 months, and 22 days after the rape - I finally started proper trauma informed counselling with a SV specialist. No restrictions due to the courts etc. Free to start the healing.
It shouldn't take this long, change is needed.
Government rape adviser leaves role over ‘lack of will to change’
Emily Hunt says rape myths perpetuated at highest levels of civil service and she has no confidence in reporting crime
When unexpected sleepwalking claims turned a rape case on its head, Jade fought back.
Filmed over three years, this is the remarkable story of one woman's battle for justice.
Watch tonight at 9pm on
@BBCThree
I saw this a few weeks back, a quote from
@ManduReid
- I've had it saved in my phone for a while now, I've shared it amongst friends, family + colleagues over the last few weeks. But today this has kept me going, it really has inspired me to continue to persevere.
Thank you 🙌
I didn’t anticipate how and where my case would go, but I am proud of our work with this program and would warmly welcome you all to watch it.
Wednesday 5th October, 9pm
BBC Three
It's both baffling + profoundly disheartening to witness a society where some individuals channel more anger towards rape + sexual assault victims than the actual perpetrators.
The deteriorating state of our society, where pervasive rape myths persist, leaves me in disbelief.
"The scale of this is way beyond policing and the justice system and we need a frank conversation about it, that looks at prevention work, protective work, as well as enforcement work" - Sir Mark Rowley
My trial date was scheduled for 3 years, 7 months and 8 days after the rape. I reported the morning after the incident happened.
The fact that this is a standard, if not worse now is deeply worrying.
Justice delayed is justice denied. It has so many ramifications, for both
2 years, 9 months, and 15 days ago, my rape case was dropped, and it has been a constant struggle for me to accept it. Exacerbated when my Victims Right to Review revealed that they made a mistake in closing my case and acknowledged that it should have gone to trial...
The anger + fury that sits within me, knowing that the man that raped me is out there. To this day, I don't think he knows how close he was to being convicted. If it wasn't for the failures of the system + mistakes that were made, he would have more likely than not,been convicted
It's finally here, tonight on
@bbcthree
at 9pm! Catch the documentary I've been working on with the BBC for the last 3 years - really appreciate the positive support received today. I'm hopeful for a brighter future in our criminal justice system.
#Sexsomnia
#SexsomniaCaseClosed
The BBC documentary 'Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice' reignites my long-held rage and grief, underscoring the lack of progress made in ensuring safety for women and girls. This powerful film exposes the failures of the Metropolitan Police (and other forces), emphasising the
Trial lawyer ‘repeatedly crossed line’ with rape survivor.
I recently supported someone through trial and was absolutely shocked at the defence barristers language and wildly inappropriate questioning.
@rpaton11
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ordeal you've been through. It takes immense courage to share such a personal story. Your story deserves to be heard, and I stand with you in the fight against silencing survivors.
I am incredibly grateful for being awarded this year's
@EmmaHPrize
x
@centreWJ
Award. Being recognised among such dedicated and fabulous individuals that are doing such important work is truly an honour.
Let us continue raising awareness, confronting injustices, and working
The best current affairs programme went to Sexsomnia: Case Closed, a huge shout out to the amazing team for creating a safe + open space to share my wild journey over 3yrs. This award is all for them + the nurturing environment they provided that allowed me to share + open up
You feel forced to sign away everything, otherwise there is the fear that the case will be dropped. It's simply outrageous - no other crime treats the victim as a suspect.
BBC News - Rape victims should not be treated as suspects, says data watchdog
I felt compelled to share my story, to continue the conversation regarding violence against women and girls and the challenges faced when accessing justice...
It deeply troubles me that my rapist remains free due to an error by the Crown Prosecution Service. They admitted the case should have gone to trial and would have likely led to a conviction, but nothing can be done. It weighs heavily on me, knowing he remains a risk to society,
This is deeply worrisome, immediate action is a must.
A record-breaking 1,617 rape suspects are out on bail due to a court backlog - a 5-fold increase in just 5 yrs. Victims endure unbearable waits for justice. This is a crisis that demands swift action
Victim of rapist lawyer who claimed he had 'sexsomnia' calls for long jail term.
Andrew Lingard, of West Lothian, will be sentenced for sexually abusing two schoolgirls and raping woman.
@jessphillips
This is incredibly frustrating, I can't quite fathom this. We can't revert back, Telemedical abortion is vital healthcare for women. There needs to be uproar, the strain this is going to cause on abortion providers and the access issues for service users is going to be vast 😡
Only went and did a 30 min talk at Hertfordshire's Victim Awareness Conference on Friday.
What an experience that was - a room of 100-120 people from Police, ISVA’s, IDVA’s, Community organisations, Fire Service, local County Council staff, and more.
As a rape survivor let down by the CPS, the thought of a knighthood for someone overseeing the near decriminalisation of rape is incredibly disturbing. My legal case against them underscores the need for urgent reform + recognition of the failures endured by survivors like myself
Victims should be provided with free access to transcripts, which play a crucial role in helping them comprehend courtroom proceedings—a vital part of their journey toward justice and healing.
@HannahAlOthman
This is beyond terrible! Our justice system continues to hit new lows.
This woman deserves so much better. She needs to know that she has an army of supporters by her side.
Violent men perpetrate silence, abuse, rape, and murder against women. The issue does not lie with women sharing their stories or defending their rights; the issue lies squarely with violent men.
I was a 'yes' person; I handed over everything...my counselling notes, phone - my entire life. I felt like I had no choice that the case would not move forward if I didn't hand over everything. It's hugely violating, we must
#KeepCounsellingConfidential
A domestic abuse survivor has told Sky News how a police officer took advantage of her vulnerability when he had sex with her in a women's refuge while on duty.
Every day brings a new, shattering story. I'm speechless with this one.
A mother, Julie, shocked by a £22k quote for her daughter Megan's rape trial transcript. They sought it after being advised against attending the trial, where the defendant was found not guilty in 2023.
We need
#OpenJustice4All
These incredibly inspiring women deserve all the admiration. Their strength, determination, and comradery are truly remarkable.
Listen to their story below!
A MET officer raped 2 women in 11 days after meeting them in bars while off duty, a London court has heard.
The constant reports of police officers facing rape accusations are deeply distressing. It seems never-ending, and boy does it weigh heavily.
The deeply damaging impact of this process, experienced in both England, Wales + Scotland, goes beyond the initial incident itself. Urgent attention is required to reform the judicial system in order to better support + prioritize the well-being of victims
I am incredibly honoured to become a
@SolaceWomensAid
Ambassador, as a rape survivor who has experienced the failings of the justice system first-hand, I know how vital their work is.
Solace's commitment to supporting and empowering survivors of sexual violence aligns with my
Women 'manipulated' in crisis pregnancy advice centres - I've worked in abortion care for over 5 years now and I've seen the devastating impact that these so-called crisis centres inflict upon people in times of need. This looks to be an important watch.
Murder victim Kelly Wilkinson repeatedly visited police in fear.
They said she was ‘cop shopping’
Family calls for inquest, saying Wilkinson visited police ‘almost every day’ before she was murdered by her husband in 2021
A whistleblower who resigned from Greater Manchester Police has told Sky News the force's child protection investigation unit where she worked is "not fit for purpose" and that failures have left a paedophile ring at large for at least seven years.
I'm in awe of
@DrProudman
's unwavering courage as a female barrister, advocating tirelessly for victims of MV. It's disheartening to hear about the misogyny + threats she has faced. Her determination to speak up + drive change is inspiring. We all need to be a bit more Charlotte!
As a female barrister advocating on behalf of victims of male violence, I've faced misogyny & threats from barristers.
From being called a c*** to attempts to disbar me, they've thrown dozens of complaints my way.
I won't be silenced.
I am speaking up to advocate for change 🪡
When women share their rape experiences, false claim skeptics appear, sowing doubt. Their narratives are unnecessary + undermine real stories. Rape in this country is essentially decriminalized, + it's infuriating to witness men who fail to understand the gravity of the situation
I had 3 hours with the Crown Prosecutor via teams and it relieved 3 years of stress and anxiety. Their understanding and commitment gave me confidence. I am thrilled that rape victims will now have pre-trial meetings with prosecutors. A positive step towards support and justice.
We want to boost rape victims' confidence to pursue justice & reduce dropout rates before trial.
In an updated Victims’ Code adult rape victims will be entitled to meet
@CPSUK
ahead of trial to understand process & special measures that may be available.
Heading to
@centreWJ
this eve for a fabulously fierce panel discussion exploring the battles women have fought to overcome attempts to silence them when speaking out re. sexual assault. Teamed w/ a screening of the film 'She Said'. It looks set to be an insightful + inspiring eve
Lawyer who raised ‘boys’ club’ concerns over judgment accused of misconduct
Proudman's remarks, highlighting broader issues of unconscious bias, should prompt reflection, not reprimand. This case is a stark reflection of societal norms we must confront.
It took me 5 years, 3 months, and 22 days after the rape to finally start proper trauma informed counselling with a sexual violence specialist. No restrictions due to the courts etc. Free to start the healing. It shouldn't take this long, change is needed.
A policewoman recorded another officer trying to rape her as he used his training to pin her to the floor, a court has heard.
Pc Daniel Julian, 46, is alleged to have used the police safety hold after barging his way into her hotel room in Kent in 2021.
Today marks 3-yrs since my case closure; I'm inspired daily by survivors, journalists, change-makers, + VAWG advocates I've met along the way. They all stand as a reminder for me as I remain committed to speak out. To Make Yourself Heard is crucial; change is possible together.
The brilliant
@womensaid
ambassador
@OfficialMelB
has launched an essential petition today to make the family courts safer for women and child survivors of domestic abuse – and she needs your support!
Get signing! Take action! Get involved!
More than a third of victims say they would not report a crime to the police again
Police inaction, lack of information about the progress of cases and long court delays are to blame, says victims' commissioner
Yesterday, I had a chat with
@SadiqKhan
(
@MayorofLondon
) who's taking significant strides in addressing violence against women. He unveiled a comprehensive 10-point plan, including offering free legal advice to victims of rape and sexual assault. This initiative hits close to
A 2020 rape, with the trial set for 2025 - enduring a 5yr wait is sheer inhumanity.
Mine, nearly 3yrs, before it was dropped, days before trial. My life was frozen, suspended in limbo. Unable to progress, to heal, to truly live. The toll of these delays is incredibly damaging.
Here’s Dawn Pritchard, East Midlands grade 4 RASSO prosecutor explaining years of delay to rape cases stem back to government keeping good court rooms shut for years pre-pandemic; why more Nightingale courts must reopen to deal with bailed trials
2h40m38s
When you tell people the system is unfair, they don’t really believe you. But when you show them – there is nothing they say that can counteract that.
Available now on
@BBCiPlayer
/
@bbcthree
BBC News - 60 violent and sexual offence cases wrongfully dropped in past year, BBC discovers.
Labour MP
@jessphillips
has urged
@attorneygeneral
Michael Ellis to take action. She said the current system was "failing" & urged the government to act quickly
@CrimeLineLaw
This hits close to home for me. My case was dropped in 2020, and witnessing victims still grappling with the same sense of failure and disappointment in 2024 is truly disheartening. The lack of substantial improvements is incredibly frustrating.
Seven years have passed since my life was overturned. I recall that morning vividly, my first encounter with the police, unaware of the battle for justice ahead. Yet, today, I reaffirm my commitment to advocating for a better justice system for victims.
Centre for Women's Justice (
@centreWJ
) - holding the state to account for violence against women and girls, established 2016.
I am grateful to have the unwavering support of these remarkable individuals as they assist me in my case against the CPS.
Former soldier turned 'incel' activist guilty of knife possession and hit with restraining order for hate campaign against successful women, including
@DrProudman
.
Shocking and disturbing. More needs to be done.
I caught up with
@GlamourMagUK
x
@frontrowshoes
to discuss this week's announcement about the recent updates to the Victim's Code. Sharing my personal experience of connecting with the
@CPSUK
prosecution team and gaining insights into the court process.
I have great admiration for
@ellieokwilson
, who continuously displays incredible resilience in her pursuit of personal justice and her unwavering commitment to reform Scotland's archaic courts system for survivors of SV. This is huge that the defence lawyer is being investigated!
The presence of toxic men on this platform never ceases to amaze me. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues in our society, and highlights just how far we have to go.
I'm in the process of suing the CPS for mishandling my rape case. They've admitted their mistakes, however, greater efforts must be made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents for others. The considerable harm they've caused has left a deeply damaging impact.
CPS denies cherry-picking cases for better prosecution rates, as claimed by Mark Rowley. They insist that they judge cases fairly according to their legal test + do not hesitate in prosecuting cases - easy or hard. They didn't judge my case fairly + clearly hesitated to prosecute
Sex offenders will be blocked from changing their names.
Police will be given new powers to block sex offenders from changing their names under plans announced by the Government on Wednesday.
It's strange to think about, but 7 years ago, my life was entirely different, not overshadowed by trauma and the aftermath of engaging with a flawed justice system.
In 2020, my rapist was acquitted without a trial, a mistake later acknowledged by the CPS. The fact that he has
It's absolutely vital that victims aren't burdened with financial barriers to access information about their own cases, especially in such sensitive matters as rape trials. The women spearheading this campaign are incredibly powerful and inspiring, reminding us of the
The shameful fact is that 96% of domestic abuse crimes do NOT result in a prosecution.
@AdvanceCharity
's ‘Her Story, Her Justice’ examines how the criminal justice system fails to respond to survivors of domestic abuse and details how the system could work better to secure more
Can we ever be free from the trauma of sexual violence, not just from the assault itself but also from the grueling burden of navigating the criminal justice system?
It's a relentless battle, and not all of us make it through. There were numerous times I felt like giving up, not
🧵
20-10-20 The day my case was dropped based on the notion plucked out of thin air by the defence, I suffered from Sexsomnia. The solid case that the CPS had once scheduled for trial after waiting three years, seven months, and six days had been very affirmatively closed (1/4)
I'm sharing this ribbon in support of survivors of child sexual abuse on this global awareness day.
Huge respect to
@ejtayloruk
and all she does with this powerful
#NotMyShame
campaign. Keep spreading awareness and making a difference! 🤍
@juterlizzi
My goodness, that's utterly absurd. It should be a non-chargeable option for victims.
You're told not to be in the public gallery as "it won't look right", yet expected to cough up 7k+ to find out what went on in the courtroom. It's baffling.
Baroness Newlove: There is far more legislation for prisoners than victims
Returning Victims’ Commissioner says blueprint for reform she left behind five years ago has largely been ignored.
Guilty men have got away with it’: fears over rise of ‘sexsomnia’ defence in rape cases
Concerns that rare sleep disorder is being used as an ‘escape route’ in sexual offence trials prompt calls for safeguards to protect victims and the public
UK charities warn of ‘devastating’ council cuts to women’s services.
It's deeply troubling to see essential services for women facing violence being threatened by budget cuts. Protecting and supporting survivors should be a top priority for any society.
Admiring the brilliance of
@DrProudman
and these courageous women who speak out, inspiring hope for reform. Their voices, powerful individually and collectively, challenge injustice and outdated laws. Total respect for these brilliant women!
Hopeful for progress in 2024.
Total respect for survivors who’ve waived their right to anonymity to speak out about their abusers, the retraumatisation caused by the justice system, and their campaigns to change the law for other women. I know many women in the family courts would like to speak out but
Absolutely honoured to be on the remarkable shortlist for the 2023/24 Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize and Centre for Women’s Justice awards - truly exciting.
🏆2023/24 Shortlist is here! We have nine brilliant nominees: 🏆
Ali Morris
Ayse Hussein
Ellie Wilson
@JadeBlueLDN
Lisa-Marie Taylor
Natasha Benjamin
“Sam”
Sharon Holland
@SistersSalon2
Find out more about our nominees & buy tickets for awards night!
1% of all rape claims results in a conviction.
1% of all domestic violence reports results in a protection order.
It's a good thing police forces aren't institutionally misogynistic nor structurally inept at protecting women, or I'd be worried. Phew!
Cassie’s case against Diddy reminds us why so few women speak out against their abuser. We live in a society where victims are scrutinised and perpetrators are protected.
I will forever be furious with the "expert witnesses" that claimed I had Sexsomnia - I'd never even spoken to them, a mere 15 question questionnaire was sufficient enough for them. No bed partner history taken, no sleep study - nada!
(📷: a visual portrayl of my current feels)
My case would have been 3 yrs to the week when it would have been seen in court. You're left in limbo, life on pause, unable to heal – it's an agonizing wait. It's time to stand together + demand change. Join the
@RapeCrisisEandW
campaign,
#YearsTooLong
.
Navigating the justice system has been more traumatic than the incident itself. It's been almost 7 years since the incident and over 3 years since my case was wrongly closed.
Every day, I'm reminded of the injustice and failures, but I'm thankful to have reached a point in my
In light of my case, I feel compelled to use my voice + ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else. The harm is immeasurable, but I'm resolute: we must break barriers, amplify voices, + demand accountability in rape cases, especially when only 1/100 recorded rapes lead to a charge
I'm in the process of suing the CPS for mishandling my rape case. They've admitted their mistakes, however, greater efforts must be made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents for others. The considerable harm they've caused has left a deeply damaging impact.
I was a 'yes' person; I handed over everything...my counselling notes, phone - my entire life. It was an enormous violation of my privacy.
It is imperative that we prioritize the confidentiality of counseling sessions and ensure that we
#KeepCounsellingConfidential
Rape victims’ personal health and counselling records are being searched by police in a third of cases to establish their credibility, a government study has found.
@emilyinpublic
@SuellaBraverman
@AlexChalkChelt
'The way the CPS handled it was probably worse than the rape itself’
My rape case was dropped over claims I had an episode of ‘sexsomnia’ - subsequently, the CPS admitted their error, yet the case cannot be reopened despite this acknowledgment.
⬇️
[Women's Hour, last year]
Charging victims £20k for their court transcripts is unacceptable. I'm fully behind the
@OpenJustice4All
campaigners and their
#VictimsandPrisonersBill
amendments. Let's make our voices heard and demand a fairer justice system for all.
#OpenJustice4All