#MeToo, Sophie – and thank you

READING Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s heartbreaking account of losing her virginity against her will, and the subsequent feelings of hurt, confusion and selfloathing, brought back memories of my experience in similar circumstances. Same age; same shy, naive girl; same shock and shame afterwards. It was almost 40 years ago, but it never really leaves you.

I’d like to think such violations are a thing of the past, and that girls today find themselves in much better positions of control. But the sad truth is they don’t; in fact, online porn has probably made things worse.

Sophie says she debated whether to include her experience in her book. From my very personal point of view, I’m glad she did, not just because it makes me feel less bad but also because it will encourage young women to speak out about these things – and not, as I did, bury them for decades.