We Believe You: we're launching our rape awareness campaign today.

[KateMumsnet]

Today, we're very proud to be launching a new campaign. It's called 'We Believe You', and it's inspired by the many MNers who've asked us to speak out about the prevalence of rape and sexual assault in women's lives.

While we're at it, we're going to try to explode, once and for all, some pernicious myths about rape - about who does it, what it is, and whom it can happen to. These myths mean that many victims are denied justice: our survey confirmed that most don't report their rape or sexual assault, for fear of being disbelieved.

So the message of our campaign is in the title - we believe you. We hope MNers will get behind it, and spread that message far and wide - on Facebook, and on Twitter, using the hashtag #webelieveyou. And don't forget to let us know what you think here on this thread.

We're also giving a shout-out to Rape Crisis, the End Violence Against Women coalition, and Barnardo's - all of whom are supporting our campaign. They all work hard on sexual violence issues - either by supporting those who've experienced it, or campaigning for better prevention strategies - so do see if you can help them out.

MNHQ x

Well done MN! Sorry for all the posters who have first hand experience and shocked by the numbers.

I starting reading this thread yesterday but I couldn't read it all in one sitting, just too harrowing.

To all who have shared I believe you.

The figures for conviction are horrifing and a shame on our society.

Please

you can still post your comments on the Keir Starmer thread

He is the Director of Public Prosecutions and by his own words, at the the start of his contribution to that thread, responsible for all this.

reported

Good job it is a discussion forum then xx

if you say so

Like I've said I'd been in both position's. Thank the Lord it didn't turn out worse then it did. I behaved like a complete twat in both episodes. Me not them.

Rape is taking advantage.

Nothinggoldcanstay your post is an absolute disgrace in view of the stories women have shared on this thread. This is a campaign thread, not a thread where you can 'discuss' your deluded views on rape.

You are totally and utterly WRONG.

you can blame yourself, nothingold, (many women do, misguidedly) but don't expect anyone on this thread to collude with you in that and don't do it to other women

Well Ok but it did say "discuss" on the link I read. If you can't think of anything better than "you are wrong" because of the examples that people that post on here then good luck in the long run.

It does need to be discussed though although this might not be the thread in retrospect. Mainly in respect to not being defined by men.

what is not "being defined by men" ?

Not being defined by men is not going along with their "rules". You don't have a good night by pulling a bloke, you don't have to look lovely all the time , you don't need to get rid of all your fat and look like a skinny bloke, you can earn lots of money and be a woman.

Anyway, sorry this is not a discussion forum goodnight all.

I'm soooo glad nothingoldcanstay that you can help catorgorise (sp) what is serious rape and what isn't. Maybe in your infinite wisdom you can advise me where mine sat. I actually didn't say no, not once, not for many years, I was bribed with sweets and toys. Great huh? That was his excuse as well, she never said NO, oh wait hang on, it was between the ages of three and twelve, he told everyone I was a slut that came onto him. Boy I hope you don't get on a jury for this, ever!!!
If I have a drink, if I kiss a guy, if I engage in groping this still does not mean I am going to had sex with him there and then, and NO means NO.

totally misguided and mistimed

some people really are that obtuse

just

On balance I think it would be best to leave off hassling nothingold in view of the impression I'm getting she may be a survivor too (as are others on here)

I agree her views are misguided, but maybe they're helping her survive.

Others may find different views more helpful !

Whilst I don't disagree with you juggling, the very real fear people have of not being believed isn't helped with comments like that, and anyone wanting support may see that one comment and start questioning themselves all over again.

I think on this thread of all threads, the rape myths should be challenged

what is the point of any of this, if not ?

I can't see that this is the place, or indeed, that there is any place on MN, where it is appropriate to perpetuate rape myths. Even if that person is, sadly, a victim as well. It just flies in the face of the whole point of the campaign.

I also think its a good idea. Not being believed can be more traumatic than the rape itself. Emotional scars like this never heal.