Director’s Blog – Lisa Charlotte Davis
When we hear so much news about the incredibly low conviction rate for rape and sexual assault, it is so significant for a high profile case like this to result in a conviction.
Things that stood out to me.
His barrister’s closing remarks absolutely laced with rape myths. Take a look at Dr Charlotte Proudman for absolutely nailing this.
But it’s so incredibly significant then to see the Metropolitan Police referencing an anticipation of a substantial number of further rape allegations coming forward as a result of the conviction, absolutely repudiating the ridiculous claim that if he’s slept with so many women and only a few have put a case forward, he can’t have been that bad as a general rule.
The notion that someone could even make that argument when the conviction rate is so low as to be distressingly dispiriting for a survivor to put themselves through the retraumatisation of describing what has happened to them in court knowing that it is highly unlikely to lead to a result that gives some degree of closure or sense of personal safety.
The notion he could say that when UN Women statistics make plain the degree to which women expect to be disbelieved and all the reporting around the culture enabling Brand’s behaviour indicates that women did in fact say things but frequently saw their concerns dismissed or ignored. Or in some cases behaviour was displayed openly and people laughed. How would you feel confident to come forward in the context of that culture?
And so this is why the conviction is so important. Because it tells women, you will be believed. You will be heard out. Justice will be taken seriously in regards to what has happened to you.
And this is why we then see further allegations coming in as a result of the conviction. Because women then have the confidence that it might be worth coming forward to seek their own justice.
I’m pleased to see various men with public platforms in the media calling for us to take seriously the culture change that is needed surrounding this issue.
Also conscious that news moves fast and we’re soon onto the next topic.
So what we need to see is a continued commitment that we’re not going to laugh off degrading jokes and protect men who might be seen as financially valuable to any given organisation.
We need a culture that is proactive in its commitment to women’s safety.
Artwork credit: Bettie Hope Hanley
