Trigger warning: this post includes a first person account of sexual assault. It may be distressing for some readers.
On Thursday night, radio personality, Mel Greig, was assaulted in a cab after a night of drinking.
In this very personal and vulnerable piece, Mel describes the attack and the shame and guilt that so many women feel after an assault….
I am writing this through squinted eyes and a throbbing head . . . a feeling that most of us have encountered at some stage of our lives, the dreaded hangover. But with my hangover also comes feelings of regret, violation and embarrassment.
Last night I had too many drinks and this nearly cost me gravely. I found myself in a situation that could have been avoided had I followed my rules. Last night I had an encounter with an inappropriate taxi driver. He touched me. I can still hear his disgusting moans and can’t get rid of the feeling of him touching me.
I’ve often thought about what I would do if ever faced with this situation, you hear some horrible stories of women being attacked and it sickens me. I don’t want to call it sexual assault, I feel that takes away the seriousness of other assaults that have had far worse outcomes for the victims.
It was an absolute violation of my rights as a woman and as a passenger just trying to get home safely, his inappropriate behaviour was out of line and he needs to know that it’s NOT OK. It is not ok to touch my leg, it is not ok to ask for a hug when I’m trying to get inside my house and it is not ok to moan and rub my body.
Top Comments
Mel, I understand why you feel some responsibility. I just got home from a night out with one of my girlfriends. We just went to dance and have fun. I wasn't looking to meet anyone as I have a boyfriend.
Anyway whilst we were dancing a couple of older, tall, large guys were trying to dance with us. I am only just 5ft! They could see we weren't interested in them so they just joked around and moved on. They kept coming back and they were fine, they knew the limits.
But then another came along and wanted to dance with me. I tried to continue dancing with my friend but she was kind of pushed away. He kept holding my hand and trying to hug me. He told me to relax and invited me to a party 3 times even though I kept saying no we're not going.
Finally, he let my hand go. Then he moved onto my friend. She didn't seem to mind as much as I did but still told him we weren't going to the party.
After that, I just didn't enjoy the night. I came home and had a shower. And here I am writing this now thinking I just should of said I'm not interested, please leave me alone, followed by NO!
I hate that I should have to do that though! :(
It's disgusting she still feels regret and this was partly her fault
no it was simply the fault of a dirty perv who thinks he has a right to grope whoever