Labour MP Josh Newbury from Cannock Chase has bravely shared his personal experience of sexual assault to highlight the urgent need to end the stigma around male victims of rape. During a Commons debate on International Men’s Day, Newbury revealed that nearly ten years ago, after a night out in an unfamiliar city, he blacked out while intoxicated and woke up in a hotel room with another man. Unable to remember the events clearly, he later realized he had been raped.
Newbury recounted that he did not report the attack to the police, feeling a heavy burden of guilt and shame. He spoke candidly about how difficult it was to admit to himself that he had been sexually assaulted. He described the confusing and unsettling messages he received from the perpetrator, which prompted him to piece together his fragmented memories and confront the reality of what had happened.
In his emotional speech, he emphasized the importance of removing any sense of hierarchy or shame among victims, stating clearly that the blame and shame should be placed solely on the perpetrators. Newbury called for a culture where male victims feel empowered to speak out and seek justice, despite the challenges involved.
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Fellow Labour MPs, including Stella Creasy and Jim Dickson, showed their support during the debate. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, shadow minister for women Mims Davies, and Labour MP Alistair Strathern also praised Newbury’s bravery. Streeting described Newbury’s speech as one of the most courageous he had heard in the House and applauded his dedication to his constituents and his willingness to use his position to effect positive change.
Newbury’s revelation shines a light on the often overlooked issue of male sexual assault, encouraging open conversations and support for all survivors.