‘A punch to the gut’: #IBelieveHer is a movement that won’t be silenced
#IBelieveHer has been trending on Twitter this afternoon following news of Paddy Jackson’s signing to the London Irish rugby club.
The public has taken to the social media platform to express their disgust and shock at the news of the sportsman’s signing.
Understandably, people are feeling frustrated, hurt and simply distraught by the news, proving that accusations made against Jackson didn’t ‘ruin his life’ as many claimed following the non-guilty verdict.
This feels like a punch in the gut. So disappointing, and proof that rape accusations do not “ruin men’s careers” in the slightest.
Jackson thrives while a young woman’s life is horribly altered forever & other victims stay silent. Shame on you, London Irish. #IBelieveHer https://t.co/d00YjDiq7j
— Jade Wilson (@jadeswilson) May 7, 2019
One Twitter user wrote: “This is how rape culture manifests. This is how we protect rapists over survivors. This is why people don’t come forward. When asking how to protect women, start by looking in the f**king mirror.”
“Shocked and disappointed by this news. This is a player who should never work again after the way that poor woman was treated. Acquitted of rape, but what came out of that trial shows he is an appalling example of humanity,” said another.
I Believe Her trended following the harrowing Belfast rape trial in 2018, proving that the major consensus disagreed with the result.
It was Ireland’s #MeToo moment and a sign that times were changing. Women and men across the Emerald Isle rallied together to fight for victims who many failed to respect, help and believe.
Jackson and Olding may not have been found guilty, but that won’t silence the #IBelieveHer movement. It won’t stop us from supporting victims, offering them the support they so crucially need and believing them when they share stories of their trauma.
We believe her.
Thanks Paddy for inspiring me to donate to the @DublinRCC!Too many women and men have watched their rapists walk away,held completely unaccountable for their actions.The DRCC provide counseling for victims and ensures that they are given the resources to begin the healing process
— Ruby (@RubezyK) May 7, 2019
