Nikita Hand urges survivors of sexual assault not to be silenced

Nikita Hand shared a message with sexual assault survivors

Speaking outside the court on Thursday, the activist bravely shared a message with survivors.

She encouraged them to stay strong and not to let anyone stop them from speaking out.

As per The Independent, Nikita Hand said:

"I want to begin by thanking my legal team, the Rape Crisis Centre, and the three judges who delivered the decision today.

"I’m also deeply grateful for everyone who supported me and those who believed in me and stood by my side throughout this case."

Hand said this trial retraumatised her because she was forced to relive it.

"This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again. Being forced to relive it, what happened has had a huge impact on me.

"To every survivor out there, I know how hard it is, but please don’t be silenced. You deserve to be heard, you also deserve justice," she stressed.

Hand said she will now be able to move on and heal.

"Today I can finally move on and try to heal."

The jury at McGregor’s civil trial found he had raped her and awarded the claimant €250,000 in damages.

McGregor had appealed with the intention to introduce fresh evidence, but withdrew the application just as the case began. 

The court also said that it plans to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All three senior judges at the Court of Appeal in Dublin dismissed the appeal on all grounds, despite an argument from McGregor’s lawyers that the answers the 37-year-old gave police during interviews should not have been put before the jury.

Conor McGregor was not in attendance to hear the decision as it was read out.

You can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on their 24-hour National Helpline 1800 778888 provides free, confidential, and non-judgmental support after sexual violence at any time.