As a survivor of rape, Idemand Eighth is repealed
I can tell you that to even worry about being pregnant as a result of rape in Ireland adds another layer of shame, stigma and isolation in a situation already saturated with shame
IAM a survivor of sexual violence. It is something I still struggle to say, despite the fact I know that everyone knows.
My case came to prominence in July 2015, when my ex-boyfriend, Magnus Meyer Hustveit – despite having admitted by email and having pleaded guilty in court that he had regularly sexually assaulted and raped me in my sleep – received a seven-year suspended sentence. On appeal, he received a 15-month custodial sentence.
The first thing I thought of and said when I realised the full extent of Magnus’s behaviour was: “What if I’m pregnant?”
In those initial moments of horror and realisation, my mind went to the next worst-possible situation: to be pregnant in Ireland as a result of rape.
I believe if I had been living in a state with liberal laws and a more open attitude to abortion, this would not have been my first thought. I don’t want this for any other woman or girl. I want them to know that they will be supported to make the best decision for them.
The only way that this can be done is by repealing the Eighth Amendment and adopting an open, supportive attitude that is reflected in our laws and services.
To be pregnant in Ireland as a result of rape with the current legislation means the pregnant woman or girl does not have full control over her body and this only serves to re-traumatise them.
The fact the Irish State currently sanctions such prohibitive laws can only be viewed as an additional trauma. There is no justification for allowing this to continue.
Some may say the women and girls who are pregnant as a result of rape represents a minority of those who seek termination. However, the number is not the issue, but the real-life human impact.
No one can make a decision for someone else in these circumstances, which is why we must legislate for individual choice and not a blanket ban.
Making abortion safe and legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy is crucial for those women who are pregnant as a result of rape.
It is important that if a survivor of sexual assault chooses to disclose their experience to someone they are given the choice of when and how. I know from my own experience I struggled to use the word ‘rape’ for some time because I did not want to believe it was true.
Indeed, having both worked with survivors of sexual violence and having carried out research on the experience of disclosing experience of sexual violence, I know it can take an individual days, weeks, months and even years to process their experience as rape, let alone use the word.
EXPERIENCING sexual violence is synonymous with losing control. However, what is often misunderstood is that this loss is not only confined to the moments when violence is occurring.
This loss of control can be a life-long legacy which remains with the victim. This is a lonely journey for survivors of sexual violence; for those who become pregnant as a result of rape, it is even lonelier still.
In an Irish context, it can only be described as punitive as the custodial sentence imposed for seeking termination is higher than that for rape.
It is imperative for the well-being and recovery of survivors of sexual violence that services are traumainformed. The State must pave the way by ensuring its legislation and services are aware of the ways in which trauma manifests.
The Eighth Amendment is incongruous with being traumainformed; its legal effect triggers trauma by denying bodily control to any pregnant person.
Someone who finds themselves pregnant as a result of rape may know they cannot continue with the pregnancy, but may not yet be able to articulate why.
It is vital that in a time-sensitive situation, such as accessing an abortion, that survivors are not expected to disclose any information they may not be ready to give. Survivors do not owe anyone their story or experience.
Having the ability to make a choice about one’s own body, life and future is vital for survivors of rape who are pregnant.
I can tell you that to even worry about being pregnant as a result of rape in Ireland adds another layer of shame, stigma and isolation in a situation that is already saturated with shame.
This cannot be tolerated anymore, which is why we must repeal the Eighth Amendment.