Closing Statement

After enduring the process of justice, today I finally watched my rapist get what he deserves. And so, I wanted to share this as my closing statement.

To ANYONE, no matter how big or small you think sexual harassment or an assault made towards you is, IT IS ALWAYS sexual harassment and sexual assault. It is always important and will be heard. Do not feel ashamed, do not feel guilty, do not let anyone patronise or belittle your feelings. They are real. They are valid. I’m glad that my strength has managed to finally make this man accountable for his actions; not only for myself, or the other amazing and brave lady in our case but for all the girls and women who have clearly been preyed on and harassed by this man. He does not prey on weak women. We are not weak. He preys on women because he is weak. No matter someone’s lifestyle, someone’s state, someone’s situation or environment, no one is asking to be sexually harassed, assaulted or raped.

You will not be judged, you will be listened to and every little helps towards creating the bigger impact. I promise that sharing your experiences and bringing justice by speaking up is important, is the right thing to do and will be worth it in the end. It will eventually all add up and go towards the bigger picture. When we all believe in this together and fight these things as a group, making each other feel supported, I promise it feels as if someone is pulling you up onto the same boat, saving you from what feels like you drowning alone. We don’t need to be scared, they need to be scared. You messed with the wrong girls this time and your time is finally up.

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For support:

Our dedicated advocacy service offers independent support to survivors who have decided to, or have already reported to the police following an experience of sexual violence that has happened at any time in your life. You can contact the advocacy service whether or not you have received support from Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre before.

To contact our advocacy service to make a referral or an appointment, please leave a message on our call back phone: 0131 556 9437, or you can email our support service on: advocacy@ercc.scot. When you contact us we will aim to offer you an appointment as soon as possible within office hours.

Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline 08088 01 03 02 (6pm - midnight every night) offers free and confidential support and information. They offer support to anyone aged 13 and over, of any gender, affected by any form of sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They support survivors, as well as family, friends, and supporters. They can arrange for free language interpreters, including British Sign Language, to access support if your first language is not English.