Speakers share their stories of injustices

‘A month ago I wouldn’t have even been able to come to an event like this, let alone speak at it,’ Kay Davidson said at last night's peaceful protest against sexual assault in the Bailiwick.

For years, she has perfected being able to avoid situations that will resonate with her own experience, becoming ‘a pro’ at pretending to be OK.

She spoke about being sexually assaulted by a family friend, being in an abusive relationship, and being attacked.

‘I spent too many years – that I cannot get back – as a victim.

'Don’t wait to speak out. Until we do, how can we expect change to happen?,’ she said, urging people to seek help if an experience still haunts them.

After having two sets of therapy during lockdown, she said it was like finding the last two pieces of the puzzle.

‘I am no longer a victim, and I am more than a survivor. I am now free.’

The introduction of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which is due to be debated in the States this week, was, for many speakers, key to achieving the level of support needed to help victims.

Former head of the domestic abuse charity Safer, Carol Le Page, said it would be a safe space where forensic evidence could be taken and kept safe until the victim felt comfortable to go to the police and file an official report.

Stories of injustices were also told, with speakers saying they have to walk around local streets seeing their perpetrators.

A big worry for many was that the offenders had not being convicted and therefore had not learned their lesson.

Daisy Chapple said that was why educating people of all ages about consent and appropriate behaviours was crucial in leading the way for change.

‘Start holding your male friends accountable for their actions,’ she said.

‘Every man and every woman must do that because there will never be an end to these issues until we start actively making changes.’