MP: I waived right to anonymity over court rape finding against my ex to help other women
BURTON and Uttoxeter’s MP has spoken out about why she waived her right to anonymity after a family court found she had been raped and physically abused by her former husband.
Kate Griffiths has spoken to the Burton Mail after Judge Elizabeth Williscroft, who was hearing the case, concluded that Andrew Griffiths, 51, pressurised her into engaging in sexual activity, and used “coercive and controlling behaviour”.
Mr Griffiths denied allegations made by Ms Griffiths and “adamantly denied” having raped her.
She says by going public she hopes it “may help give strength to other women to speak out or seek help”. She said: “I supported publication of the Family Court’s findings – and waived my right to anonymity – because I recognise the unique position I am in to campaign to improve the outcomes of cases such as this, for those who endure domestic violence, and the actions taken to protect the children involved.”
She has told how she has received nothing but supportive messages from constituents, some of who were dealing with domestic abuse.
Her now former husband used to be the Tory MP for Burton and minister for small business, and once worked as Theresa May’s chief of staff. But he resigned in July 2018 after a Sunday newspaper reported that he had sent “depraved” text messages to two female constituents.
He apologised over the incident at the time and said he would be seeking help, including for being abused as a child.
Kate Griffiths went on to stand for and win the Burton seat. At the family court, Judge Williscroft made findings in favour of Ms Griffiths but decided that those findings should not be made public, in order to protect a child at the centre of the family court case. However, a High Court judge then ruled that Judge Williscroft’s findings should be revealed, and Mr and
Ms Griffiths named, after two journalists learned about the case and argued that the public had a right to know.
Ms Griffiths supported them in reporting the case and naming her and now she has explained why she made the unusual decision. This is what Ms Griffiths has said in full: “Last Friday, after a lengthy and draining legal battle, the Court of Appeal ruled that the findings of rape, coercive control and domestic violence against me by my former husband could be published.
“It has been a bit of a whirlwind since that decision, not only with the judgement being released but with the change in Covid regulations and introduction of Plan B.
“I am hugely grateful for the countless emails and messages I have received from constituents. Every one of them has been encouraging and many have shared with me their own battles and stories of domestic abuse.
“Very few victims feel able to admit what has been happening to them – and even your closest friends and family can be unaware of what you are experiencing behind closed doors. By offering those who have suffered the effects of rape and sexual abuse belief and support, it may help give strength to other women to speak out or seek help.
“I supported publication of the Family Court’s findings – and waived my right to anonymity – because I recognise the unique position I am in to campaign to improve the outcomes of cases such as this, for those who endure domestic violence, and the actions taken to protect the children involved.
“As you know, when I stood for election as Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, I promised I would be a voice for those who have been victims of domestic abuse. I am committed to working with colleagues across Parliament to improve both the support available to – and the outcomes for – those who have been through similar experiences to me.
“I started this week by raising a question in Parliament and am pleased that this will lead to a meeting with the Secretary of State for Justice in the new year.
“Alongside this, there is much going on in Government at the moment, and I continue to work hard to represent the interests of Burton and Uttoxeter, and provide the support constituents and businesses need.”