The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Women resolute after Salmond’s acquittal
STATEMENT: Nine who made sexual assault allegations against former first minister say they are ‘devastated’
The women who made sexual assault allegations against Alex Salmond have told how they have been left “devastated” after he was cleared in court of all charges.
But the nine women insisted they will not let the former first minister’s acquittal define them – saying they hope their experiences can lead to improved understanding of sexual harassment and assault.
They also said while the experience of taking the case to court was “traumatic”, it was also the “right thing to do”.
In a joint statement, the nine women said: “While we are devastated by the verdict, we will not let it define us.
“We hope through shining a light on our experiences, it will serve to protect and empower women in the future.”
In a statement issued by the charity Rape Crisis Scotland, the woman said they wanted to “send a strong and indisputable message...”
The women spoke out almost a week after the former SNP leader was cleared
“While we are devastated by the verdict, we will not let it define us. COMPLAINERS’ STATEMENT
of the 13 charges he had been facing – including an allegation of attempted rape – by a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The complainers, who were identified in the trial by letters, said: “The jury has delivered a majority verdict on the charges brought against the former first minister.
“We are devastated by the verdict. However it is our fervent hope that as a society we can move forward in our understanding of sexual harassment and sexual assault.”
They thanked both Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for “taking our experiences seriously and for allowing our voices to be heard”.
They continued: “Many of us did speak up at the time of our incidents but were faced with procedures that could not deal with complaints against such a powerful figure. Others were silenced by fear of repercussions.
“We remain firm in our belief that coming forward to report our experiences and concerns was the right thing to do.
“But it is clear we alone cannot achieve the change we seek.
“The outcome of this trial will pose many questions and be cause for much debate.
“But as politicians, commentators and society reflect on this case, we would ask you to consider whether behaviour which is so often merely described as ‘inappropriate’ or is tolerated by society, is acceptable towards your daughters, granddaughters, sisters, wives, friends, and colleagues.”