My name is Milly Hodgson. I am not just a number. I am not just a statistic. I am a survivor of rape and a participant in a trial that favored my accused rapist more than me. I am a strong woman, who, instead of being offered support and fairness in the trial, was reduced to a mere observer in the very trial that was supposed to bring justice to the traumatic events that had lead me to try and seek justice. My life was strewn out in public, scrutinized and judged, while the accused was awarded presumption of innocence until proven guilty. But what about my innocence? Isn't it time we rethink our approach?

Rape victims, like all victims of crime, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness during the trial process. For survivors of sexual assault and rape,the courtroom can often feel like a second assault, a second violation of their rights.

We are not given the same rights as the accused. Our medical files,our phone records,our lives many years before we have even met the accused are there to be torn into. 

Meanwhile the accused will be allowed to give a detailed insight into the parts of their life that they CHOOSE to show. 

Victims are not allowed to know what the defence is,meanwhile the accused is given access to everything.

The accused can say anything they want about the victim whilst the victim must simply remain silent and not be given the chance to respond.

If the accused is found guilty they are allowed to appeal the verdict,however victims do not have that same right if the accused is found not guilty. 

Something needs to change and the time for change is now.

We demand that the rights of rape victims to be valued just as highly as the rights of the accused. It is crucial that we review and revise our legal procedures to ensure a fair and balanced trial for all parties involved. This is not a plea for preferential treatment, but an appeal for justice and equality. It's time for our justice system to afford the same rights, the same presumption of innocence, to the victims as well.

Please lend your support in calling for equal rights and fair trials for rape victims. Sign the petition today and make a difference in the lives of many survivors. Justice denied to one is justice denied to all.