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The original was posted on /r/twoxchromosomes by /u/SergeantStiglitz92 on 2023-09-18 11:49:46.
So in June this year I was violently raped by a rich and powerful public figure. He left me bleeding, bruised and covered in carpet burns. I didn’t report it to the police.
I have spent most of today reading about the Russell Brand allegations. I don’t believe there were only 5 women he did this to. I believe there are more. It is my hope they step forward in the wake of the media storm. It is my hope he is charged and convicted in the coming weeks and months. Before this story broke, I was a Russell Brand fan.
With respect to my assault, there is some medical evidence with a doctor I saw 2 months after the incident (I still have the carpet burn scars, even now). I don’t believe it’s enough to secure a conviction, given the resources available to the man who did this to me. This is why I haven’t stepped forward. I found myself thinking - if I were to see a headline in the news tomorrow “Celebrated ___________ and star of Channel __ reality show charged with aggravated sexual assault”, I would immediately beeline to the police station and report what happened to me.
Then I got to thinking. Fuck it. I should report him anyway. To the police and to an investigative journalist. The next woman he does this to might have the sense to seek medical attention immediately and press charges. In the event this happens, my claims can corroborate and be corroborated by her claims. He might be exposed even if he is never convicted.
I think all incidents of sexual misconduct should be reported to the police, no matter who the perpetrator is. All victims of rape feel powerless following the trauma. But there is a unique quality to the powerlessness I feel, given the power/influence of my assailant. I write this in case there is someone reading this, who can relate my experience. No one can force you to tell your story. But please consider, even if Russell Brand is never formally charged, he has been exposed, and these 5 women have been afforded some skerrick of redemption. It’s sad that one victim’s word is rarely enough to take down a rapist in a position of influence, but I do believe multiple accusations tells a different story.