Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It is finally time that I feel comfortable enough to share my story with you all.

When I was 16 I was in an abusive relationship. I went through a long period where my finances, my thoughts and friendships were being manipulated. I was also sexually assaulted by this individual, which left me emotionally numb.

When I had the courage to leave the relationship, it didn't end there. This individual manipulated those around me to paint me in a worse light, so many of my "friends" didn't believe me when I told them the truth. It took me years to come to terms with what happened to me and to even realise that everything that happened without my consent was wrong. I thought that this was normal because they "loved me". Even now I struggle with anxiety and post-traumatic stress. I even find it difficult getting the train home because I pass his local train station and worry if he will appear and hurt me.

Thanks to therapy when I went to University, I have been able to cope better with my post-traumatic stress, so that I am in a lot more control. Those therapy sessions have saved my future from becoming shrouded in pain and anxiety.

After the terrible response to a sexual assault in the ginnel by Headingley Stadium in Leeds by West Yorkshire Police (see https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4081892068493120&id=352646588084372&sfnsn=scwspmo ) I snapped.

I'm sick to death of being victim-blamed for experiences that weren't my fault. I am sick of seeing women being blamed or ignored for being so brave as to come out with their stories of assault and rape. I'm sick to death of having to feel weak by hiding my truth and pretending that people like my ex don't exist in the world.

I am not the only one who has gone through things like this. 5 in 6 sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Rape prosecutions are lowering year-on-year and it seems like the "justice" system has given up on victims altogether. Grouped with the constant sexualisation of young girls and the fetishisation of children - including the promotion of "hairless" women (spoiler alert - there are no hairless women, only hairless CHILDREN) it seems like an uphill battle to tackle these issues.

The West Yorkshire Police claimed that the sexual assault in the ginnel was a "rumour" and was "uncorroborated", despite there being evidence on social media of a woman with scratches and bruises on her face. This woman had her trousers removed in the ginnel and she was lucky enough to escape and get to her friend's house. I am so sorry that this happened to you and that the police have done nothing.

Today I want to announce my support for Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL). SARSVL support women and girls of any age who have been through rape and sexual violence. They are such a wonderful charity and I have known about their services since I started getting therapy at University. It is a space that is inclusive and accepting of women, no matter what they have been through, and can be a safe space for people to get the help they deserve and need after such a traumatic incident such as rape and sexual assault.

I will be shaving my head on March 20th 2020 (date subject to change, it might be a little earlier in March) to support the charity, and I invite you to donate in support of this charity. I believe there is a better future where people won't assault nor rape people, but until then, we need to be a driving force to help victims of these acts.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.