Trigger warning: rape, misogyny, male violence, VAWG.

 

I've taken a couple of days off after the ridiculous week I've had, but I need to talk about the horrific sentencing decision made in Southampton Crown Court this week.

 

It has, rightly, incensed the majority of commentators and has managed to unite the usually diametrically opposed.

 

Ready to get angry, Fairies? Let's go.

 

Two exceptionally brave, admirable girls were subjected to brutal rape trials that culminated in this week's sentencing hearing.

 

After being gang-raped at knife point, with at least one attack being filmed and disseminated to peers, and that victim then being called a slag because peers believed it was consensual, these incredible little girls then gave testimony in court.

 

Let me explain what that looks like for you, Fairies.

 

They had the option to give a more detached testimony. They could have submitted a written statement and had that be cross-examined.

They could have given a video statement.

They could have given testimony via a virtual link.

 

They chose to go into court and have nothing but an exceptionally mediocre screen shielding them from the sight of their rapists.

 

They were subjected to cross-examination by defence barristers.

They recounted and relived their ordeals and the fallout to ensure they got justice.

 

That is an experience nobody should have to endure, but especially not two children.

 

And they did it anyway because they were so fucking brave. I'm awed and proud and heartbroken and you should be, too.

 

The jury found all three rapists guilty. 

Good.

 

Fast forward to this week and the judge chose to spare the rapists from custodial sentences.

 

Putrid.

 

Tbh, I'm not going to reiterate his statements because they make me fucking sick.

I also felt utter despair at the sentencing and I don't really want to dwell on what the judge said and did.

 

I know how it's felt this week. Pointless. Defeat. Like VAWG is an irritation for the perpetrators to deal with rather than an inhumane act that destroys the lives of victims.

 

However, there IS a little light in the dark here, Fairies.

Lord Hermer, Attorney General, has announced that he will review the sentence.

 

The appropriate outcry and fury and goddamn fucking bravery of those victims (who went to the press because they were so rightly disgusted) has caused a massive and justified shockwave.

 

This is why we need to know who to talk to when justice fails. Write to your MP, go to the press, contact the Attorney General. 

 

Whilst these girls have been dealt an unthinkable blow right now, I'm desperately hoping that the AG overturns the sentence and sends the violent little scum down for the correct sentence.

 

Sign the petition to show the AG that we stand with victims and that we, the public, disagree with the disgusting lack of justice for them.