A story of strength and survival

The Me Too movement has dominated the discourse for much of 2018.

From the downfall of shamed film producer Harvey Weinstein, following a series of harrassment allegations, to the controversy surrounding the confirmation of rape accused Brett Kavanagh to the US Supreme Court, the issue of sexual violence has rarely been far from the international headlines.

However, today’s interview with Fife rape survivor Carin serves as a stark reminder that this is an issue that also hits closer to home – and that victims here are refusing to be silenced. The courageous military veteran, who saved lives as a medic in Afghanistan, waived her right to anonimity in order to share details of her ordeal at the hands of her abuser Stephen Graham.

She walked away from a controlling and violent relationship, only for Graham to strike when she was least expecting it, grabbing her outside her home and subjecting her to a horrifying nine-hour attack.

He will be sentenced for his crime tomorrow, another step on the path to healing Carin’s mental and physical scars.

In speaking to The Courier, she hopes her story will strike a chord and give other victims the strength to flee toxic relationships. She is an inspiration and seeing justice in action this week will be another key stage towards rebuilding her life.