Last week, like many of you, we learned of an online ‘rape academy’, where men across the world are not only drugging their wives and partners and subjecting them to sexual violence, but also recording it and sharing it with others.
Such depravity and violence, and the impunity which has so clearly accompanied it, is unacceptable.
CNN's investigation confirms in the starkest of terms what millions of women already knew - that rape culture is not only still prevalent, but in fact encouraged on platforms such as this.
Across England and Wales, 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16. Statistics show that 2 in 5 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or ex-partner. And where this is reported to the police, and criminal justice is pursued, 91% of those prosecuted are male.
Seeing this unfold in the news and in online spaces is terrifying for all women, many of whom now have answers to questions they didn’t dare to ask, and clarity on a subject that until now has been unclear.
Amelia Handy, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, says “this CNN investigation confirms yet again that women and girls live within a rape culture, where predatory men perpetrate extraordinary harm and support others in doing so. So-called sleep pornography is quite simply rape, obtaining consent from someone who is asleep is obviously impossible. The platforms which are used to proliferate such extreme misogyny, and sexual violence must face considerable penalties and be shut down for doing so.”
We understand this investigation may be extremely triggering for survivors to read and hear about, as well as their friends, loved ones and the wider public - we urge you to seek support when the time is right.
Whether you remember what happened or not, want to report it to the police, or just want to speak to someone who understands, support is available.
Call our free 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.