Trigger Warning: This episode is about rape, surviving rape

1 in 4 women have been raped in the UK

1 in 18 men have been raped in the UK

5 in 6 women that are raped DONT report it

4 in 5 men that are raped DONT report it

Only 2 in 100 rapes that are actually reported by police result in a charge - let alone a conviction.

*Rape Crisis Centre UK

This episode is a true story. Abbey gives a step by step account of surviving her rape and how she was retraumatised through the UK reporting process when she had the courage to report it immediately after it took place; first by the police, then the reporting process itself and finally by the very courts that are suppose to deliver justice.

Shockingly and rather disturbingly, Abbey was not given the grace and opportunity to read her Victim Impact Statement in front of her rapist and his family; something she needed and wanted to do publicly in order to attain some semblance of justice in an unjust world and system. And, more importantly, show her rapist that he did not take her power that night in 2018, that she wont ALLOW him to hide and that she will use her legs to stand strong and her voice to affirm her power and renounce his humanity. Abbeys Victim Impact Statement is read at the 34:39 mark to 45:16 mark.

Following Abbey sharing her story, from the 45:16 mark in the episode, Abbey, and host Jennie Guay, have a raw and open conversation about what happens after you are raped in the UK; unpacking the UKs legal system and reporting process, the misogyny it is founded and rooted in, how and why so many men are raping and sexually abusing women ( and it is men, with 98% of all reported rapes being committed by men in the UK). Where are our male allies? What is the role that women play in all of this?

It was an honour to speak to Abbey on todays episode, and a privilege that she chose 'Why Are We Whispering?" to share her story. We applaud you Abbey and celebrate your strength, courage and ultimate resilience. Your story is going to give a voice to millions of women ( and men) who share a version of your story.

If you are someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you to report to police and to get support through organizations like the Rape Crisis Centre UK. You can find your local centre here: Rape Crisis England & Wales

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