#chedevans

[grahamevans-blog1]

[holsmoy-blog]

Do Not Be Afraid, We Are Listening

Earlier today, Ched Evans was found not guilty by a jury of his peers for the rape of a teenager. This verdict is the result of an appeal fuelled by Evan's defence team following a previous "guilty" conviction. Mr. Evans has maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration and legal battle. This post is directed to him and the millions of influential young men out there who have the celebrity and influence to make a difference. As much as I respect the legal system, I cannot help feel uneasy about the evidence given at Mr. Evan's appeal. The victim, identified as "X" was called to relive her ordeal on the stand, as well as have her sexual history handed to the press as proof of her character. The testimonies were crass and crude. Two young men noted how the victim preferred to be "fucked harder" and that that therefore justifies the incident that took place in the hotel room with Mr. Evans and two other men. It was also stipulated that even though the victim was intoxicated, her consent was given. She was nineteen years old when the alleged rape took place. Mr Evans has been proven not guilty but I refuse to believe that "X" is lying. I refuse to believe that even though he is not guilty, he is therefore innocent. "X" believes that on that night, in that hotel room, she was violated. Because she was violated. It is unfortunately our society that decides on the "grey area" when it comes to rape and it is therefore sending an incredibly harmful message to any victim of sexual assault. The message is this: if you report what happened to you, it might not be interpreted the way you think it will be. The year is 2016 and this year has revealed more horrifying truths than any about the growing "rape culture" in Western society. Documentaries like The Hunting Ground and Audrie & Daisy have shed light on the grave injustices experienced by young girls at American schools and universities. The Brock Turner case was one such painful instance, where the damages of the victim were completely overshadowed by the rapists "promising athletic career". When I read the reports on the Ched Evans case I was furious to note the ongoing abuse "X" suffers. She's had to relocate and change her identity in order to protect her life. I urge online trolls to cease their terrorisation of her and respect that she is still in pain and will be for the rest of her life. Regardless of the courts final ruling, her life has been completely destroyed. Why do we seek to constantly blame the victim in the case of rape? It is arguably one of the most unforgivable and life-destroying offences and yet we constantly seek ways to justify it. "What was she wearing?" "Did she flirt with him?" "How drunk was she?" Speaking out for the first time publicly, I can say that I know what you are going through "X". When I was 20 years old I was attacked. I'm almost 26 and the memory is no less painful than it was five years ago. I chose not to report my rape because I was drunk and I didn't scream. That was the advice given to me at the time of the attack. No one will believe you if you didn't put up a fight. When you're attacked, the first feeling is one of shock. You're body can't move, your mouth can't speak and you lie in fear and pray you don't die. It's unshakable feeling and it's left a scar on my heart to this day. Ched Evans, you are in a prime position of power. Millions of impressionable young men look to you as a role model; lead them wisely. Raise awareness among young men and advise them on the repercussions of their actions. Young women are constantly told to watch their drinks, don't get into a taxi alone and stay in control. Young men should be advised to not spike drinks, accompany a young woman respectfully and if she's not in control, do not take advantage of her. To all the survivors of rape and sexual violence, I'm listening to you and i care about you. Let's support each other and continue to fight this battle together.

[2015willbemybitch-blog]

The first week..

Day 7 The first week of the new year is coming to an end and it's been pretty busy for me in terms of work.  I've been much worked every week and it's been good to earn the extra money towards the Steadicam/Europe trip fund! I've got my first illness almost out of the way, the first time I've really been ill in about 2 years or so.  I'm usually quite fit and healthy and will generally fight any signs of illness head on but this time, it got the better of me. The new diet is going pretty well.  I've managed to not eat any chocolate, crisps or any rubbish.  I've avoided fizzy drinks, alcohol or any ice cream, cake or biscuits, which really is a big achievement. You can't go wrong with a digestive. I am a biscuit monster (a bit like the cookie monster).  I've also decided that any time I think about eating a biscuit or a chocolate bar or have any temptations of such then I will get down and do 10-20 push ups. I only started this the other day and I think I managed to do about 70-100 in the last few days.  As I said, it started a few days ago and I haven't really been counting but I think it's helping because it just means I get a bit of a workout instead :) I just wanted to touch on something now that's been in the news recently about a footballer named, Ched Evans.  Ched Evans used to play for Sheffield United before he was convicted for raping a 19 year old woman.  Evans denies any charges he received from the court and still hasn't come clean his wrong doing.  In the news, a few teams have reportedly been interested in the striker since his release but any team that is deemed linked to the Welshman have had their fans sign petitions saying they don't want him at this club.  Oldham Athletic were the latest team to be rumored to be signing him.  Oldham fans managed to receive 20,000 signatures to turn down the signing of Evans claiming it would ruin the club's reputation and that he does not deserve a return to the sport. Now, I do consent this sort of behavior and I would never disrespect a woman like Ched Evans is said to have done but I would like to honestly hear his side of the story.  Me and my dad were talking about as it was appeared on the news and I felt a bit sorry for him in a way because I haven't heard the whole story. 

What I've read is that Evans and another player were involved with a young lady and she was supposed to be "2 and half times" over the limit of alcohol and was in no state to give sexual consent.  In all honesty, if she was in no state to give sexual consent then she wasn't in a state to even remember what she said or did in Evans' defense.  I am not sexist but he's a footballer, why wouldn't a woman want a story of sleeping with a footballer.  Why wouldn't they claim rape for a story, for money, for publicity.  This made me and my dad think that if we were famous and single or whatever that if a woman wanted sex with us, would we need written consent so that she couldn't claim rape against us later.  It seems to us like it was this woman's word over Evans'.  There is no real evidence that there was consent or not.  It could have gone either way. Jean Hatchet, who started the petition for clubs not to sign Evans, said that Evans doesn't know the meaning of rape because it has failed to admit his wrong doings.  This actually gives me the indication that Evans didn't rape this woman because he feels he was given consent.  I still don't think what he is accused of is right, not in a million years but I would like to hear his side.  However, back to this footballing situation.  Ched Evans is apparently not allowed to play football it seems because what he did was so bad.  Mike Tyson did exactly the same thing but came back to become a Boxing legend and everyone seems to forget that.

Luke McCormick and Lee Hughes both were involved in causing deaths to people involved in drink driving accidents, yet were able to come back and still play football.  And I didn't know this until I did my research but high profile, Dutch legend footballer, Patrick Kluivert was convicted of the same crime when he was just 19.  Yes, I just called him a legend too. And, yes, I didn't know he did this because no one speaks about it.  How on earth is Ched Evans any worse than those I have just named.  I feel sorry for him because he is being shamed worse than those I mentioned but I don't feel sorry for him if he did it and deserves it.  I hope I didn't cause too much offense with this piece but I thought I should voice my opinion.  Thanks, have a good night! x

[thecaptainserenity]

Time for some truth talking.   This is such an intelligent insight into a very inflammatory subject in the UK right now.

But totally relevant to every situation like this.   Why do people automatically think that a woman might not be telling the truth about being raped.

If this backlash against the victim has made even one person decide not to come forward about a similar thing happening to them then we should all be ashamed of ourselves.