I am a young woman seeking to defend myself against the man that sexually assaulted and physically abused me in 2019.

I spoke out online about my abuser, naming the man and detailing the abuse I experienced at his hands in the hope of protecting others. He has a high profile which brings power dynamics I know from experience he has exploited to commit abuse. 

In response to my speaking out I was publicly called a liar and am now facing a legal battle as he seeks to sue for defamation, even though I have made a report to the police. I have suffered anxiety, depression and sleep disorders since the assault took place and this legal battle has only exacerbated the trauma I already have because of his actions.

Speaking out against abusers is so important, not only is it a victims right to do so but it is so important for recovery. It allows us to reclaim our narrative and successfully recover from the horrible effects of PTSD. We must pave the way to create an environment in which people feel comfortable to speak out against those who abused them in order to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out whilst also warning other potential future victims. We must not be silenced and it is wrong that a man with wealth can attempt to buy or threaten a victim in order to extract their silence through the civil courts.

Up until this point I have funded my solicitors fees with my own small pot of savings which have now been exhausted. This is why I need your help. If I do not fight this case, I will be forced to publicly apologise and wrongly admit that I made up the abuse that I experienced at his hands. This will not only hinder the criminal case against him but severely impact my own reputation and worsen my mental health. 

I am looking to raise £15,000 to fund my legal fees and pay my legal team. Not only will this money allow me to progress with my defense in the defamation case, but it will also enable me to continue with a personal injury claim against my abuser. 

If I reach this target, not only will we protect my reputation and my future, we will fight the man who abused me, and work to make sure that no one can be abused by him again. In doing so we will also prevent a precedent being set whereby abusers can silence their victims and use the civil courts to cause further harm.

£15,000 is a huge target, and will aid me through the defence of this case. Anything at all you can give will be incredibly appreciated! 

Thank you so much for reading, and for any help you can give with either sharing the CrowdJustice link and/or making a donation.