Once again, I find myself writing about sexual violence and the abuse of power by influential and respected men. It is deeply disturbing that these stories continue to emerge and that women and girls continue to experience violence, exploitation and abuse.
This week, Russell Brand was sentenced to over ten years in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. While the sentence represents an important step towards accountability, no sentence can undo the harm caused. Sexual violence can have lifelong consequences for survivors and their need for safety, support and justice does not end when a court case concludes.
We are also reading about David Walliams, who has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, grooming and workplace harassment following a three-year investigation by The Guardian and ITV. These are allegations and it is important to distinguish them from criminal convictions. The police have not investigated him in relation to these recent reports.
At Staying Put, we know that threats of suicide can also be used by perpetrators to manipulate and control survivors, particularly when they are attempting to leave abusive relationships. This is another reminder of how coercion and control can operate behind closed doors.
Both cases raise wider questions about power, influence, workplace cultures and the responsibility of those who know about inappropriate behaviour to challenge it rather than remain silent.
Speaking out takes courage
Speaking out takes enormous courage, particularly when the person responsible is powerful, influential or admired. Survivors deserve to be listened to, believed and treated with dignity. They must never be blamed, shamed or made to carry responsibility for the actions of someone who has subjected them to abuse. Their voices and experiences must remain central, not only when allegations emerge, but throughout investigations, justice processes and recovery.
We must never allow celebrity, popularity or public affection to overshadow the safety, dignity and rights of women and girls.
Closer to home, the case of Kamran Khan, an Uber driver in Leeds who attacked a woman in his car whilst she was intoxicated, this is another deeply disturbing reminder of the violence happening within our own communities.
The young woman, her friends and the nightclub staff who arranged her journey trusted that she would be taken home safely. Instead, that trust was violated. Our thoughts are with her, and she deserves privacy, dignity and continued support without judgement.
I also want to recognise and thank West Yorkshire Police for their excellent investigative work in this case. Effective, thorough and sensitive investigations are essential to securing accountability and demonstrating that sexual violence will be taken seriously.
I also want to acknowledge the leadership of our West Yorkshire Mayor and Deputy Mayor in prioritising violence against women and girls and driving forward a collective response across the region. Tackling VAWG requires sustained political leadership, partnership working and a clear commitment to changing the cultures, behaviours and structures that allow violence to continue.
But leadership and enforcement alone are not enough. We need prevention, accountability, effective investigations and sustained, adequately funded specialist and trauma-informed support for survivors. We must also work alongside male allies to challenge misogyny, harmful attitudes and male violence, recognising that this is a collective responsibility.
Not ok, Never ok
In Bradford, we are proud to be part of the Not OK, Never OK campaign, which aims to make domestic abuse and sexual violence unacceptable. I encourage everyone to support the campaign, find out more and get involved: Click here to visit the campaign.
We all have a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, speaking out against abuse and using our influence to help make our communities safer for women and girls.
Our message must be clear, survivors must be at the heart of every conversation, every decision and every response. We must listen, believe and act. We must create an environment where women and girls regardless of age can speak out without fear of judgement, retaliation or disbelief and where those responsible are held accountable.
Change will not happen through words alone. It requires collective courage, leadership, investment and collective action.
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