Thanks to 272 generous backers, we have raised almost £6,000 in just a few days! The outpouring of support has been incredible and my heart is filled with gratitude, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

New Update 

Since the crowdfunding, the CPS have taken over the prosecution and discontinued it on the basis that it is not in public interest to criminalise me. 

This is a victory in its own right, however, it does not hold the MET accountable for their actions on the night of the vigil, or for their decisions to criminalise me and others (over a year later) for standing up and speaking out. Whilst I am relieved that I no longer face a criminal record, nothing really changes, and I no longer feel that is good enough. 

I had a criminal record over the last few months because the MET were able to have me convicted me under the Single Justice Procedure, with no independent oversight of their charging decisions, in my absence, and with no opportunity to defend myself. 

What's more concerning is that I didn't even know I was being prosecuted, I only found out because of the media. Shockingly, there are many others in this position, who stand convicted of crimes of which they may well be innocent. 

I was devastated when I found out. To be convicted behind closed doors for standing up for my human rights, and our rights just to be safe from violence, felt extremely unjust. At the time, I didn't feel like I could fight it, I felt like shrinking and taking up less space. I started to blame myself for ever speaking up. It brought back some of the terrible experiences in my past, and took me to a dark place, where I didn’t think my voice mattered, or that I even had a right to speak. 

I am extremely lucky to have a legal team of amazing women who told me my rights and said what was happening was unlawful. That's why I eventually got the strength to push back. 

What's next?

I want every person in the same boat to know their rights and have the ability to push back and claim their space. And for those that don't yet have the power or strength to defend themselves, my fight is for you.

Today, I stand tall as a survivor and say yes, I am a victim of abuse, Sarah Everard is a victim of abuse, along with so many others who are victims of abuse. We demand the space to be angry, sad, devastated. We demand the space to call for change. We will not back down in asserting and protecting our human rights and we will hold those abusing their power accountable. 

I am now therefore taking steps to bring a civil claim alongside other women seeking to hold the police accountable for their actions both at the vigil and since. I hope that we can force them to learn the lessons that they clearly failed to understand, even after they were told their approach was unlawful by the High Court in the Reclaim These Streets’ litigation. Whilst winning is not a certainty, I have a good case and I believe that it is important to speak up for myself, for women and for our rights. 

Practicalities 

Crowdjustice have said that it is not possible to return funds already given to the original donors. So, I am hoping to re-deploy the funds you have already generously donated towards the ongoing effort to get justice for what has happened and seek change.

My lawyers are again acting at hugely discounted rates, but civil claims unfortunately require more funding, partly to enable my lawyers to demand disclosure from the MET and in order to prepare the claim, but also to protect me against any claim the MET may make for their own costs.

Thank you for helping me. Your ongoing support means more than you will ever know.