The joy I should be feeling, loving my life and cherishing my family, all turns to horror scenarios flashing through my nightmares when a letter from the Witness Care team lands on my hall floor…repeatedly in the three years since my abuser has been in prison, this has been the case.

I didn’t set out to be a victim of domestic abuse; I didn’t intend to be a prisoner and not a partner for ten terror-filled years, but the shackles of control and coercion sneak slowly around your life until, before you know it, you're contemplating death as your only means of escape.

Take the Stand – Reclaiming the Right to Be Heard
In conversation with the creators of the Take the Stand podcast.

We sat down with the creators behind Take the Stand to hear more about where it started, why it matters, and what they’ve learned in the process.

The police complaints process can often feel like a labyrinth, fraught with obstacles, delays, and a pervasive sense of impersonal bureaucracy. For individuals seeking justice, this journey can be emotionally taxing and frustrating.

Charlotte's experience serves as a critical case study, shedding light on the intricacies of this system, revealing the challenges faced by those seeking accountability, and highlighting areas for improvement.

My journey toward hope and empowerment began when fate brought me into contact with an extraordinary journalist. This encounter was somewhat serendipitous, taking place on a September afternoon in 2019, nearly two and a half years after I reported being raped. While cleaning the windows of my flat and tuning into BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, I stumbled upon an interview featuring Claire Waxman, the Victim's Commissioner for London.

In the labyrinthine UK justice system, some legal defences are so unusual that they seem almost surreal. “Sexsomnia” -  a rare sleep disorder that allegedly causes people to engage in sexual acts while unconscious - is one of them.

Once confined to obscure medical journals, sexsomnia has entered both criminal and family courts with alarming frequency.

The path to justice for victim-survivors of sexual violence is not only fraught with challenges but often feels like an uphill battle. A report from Victim Support, "Suffering for Justice," highlights just how deeply flawed the criminal justice system is when it comes to handling sexual violence cases.

Sex after rape is one of the most complex and deeply personal journeys a survivor can face. It’s not just about physical intimacy - it’s about reclaiming a sense of control, safety, and self-worth in a body that may feel like it has been taken away. For those in long-term relationships, this journey involves personal healing and shared understanding with a partner. For those dating after experiencing trauma, it adds a new layer of vulnerability and navigation.