Entertainment
Shaparak Khorsandi reveals she was sexually assaulted in public: ‘It has been really difficult’-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro
Khorsandi spoke about the incident on Twitter.
Shaparak Khorsandi said the trial happened in September this year (Picture: REX)
Comedian Shaparak Khorsandi has revealed she was sexually assaulted in public and said her ‘heart goes out’ to other women who have suffered attacks.
The former I’m A Celebrity campmate said a man went on trial for the crime in September and after being found guilty, was handed a sentence by the court.
The 49-year-old explained she hadn’t spoken about the incident before because she ‘felt the law had dealt with him’ and ‘just wanted to move on.’
But now the perpetrator is appealing against the verdict, with Khorsandi saying she will now face ‘a trial all over again.’
Sharing the experience on her Twitter account on Wednesday, Khorsandi said: ‘It was the most minor category of sexual assault yet it has been really difficult.
‘My heart goes out to those who suffer worse and have to see the CPS powerless to help because they are so underfunded.’
Khorsandi added it was ‘so hard’ to report the offence ‘knowing the impact it might have on my career, the stress of a trial.‘
Khorsandi spoke about the offence for the first time on Twitter (Picture: GC Images)
But she said she felt compelled to speak to officers because ‘the thought of him thinking what he did was “normal” and “just a laugh” became debilitating.’
Khorsandi, who has featured as a guest panelist on Loose Women, continued: ‘I may write about it once it’s all over but to see up close just how sure they have to be to get a conviction before they prosecute, how it comes done to funding, well it’s maddening.’
The Nina is Not OK author explained she knew two people who were raped and while the CPS was ‘sympathetic’ they ‘did not feel there was enough evidence for decent chance of a conviction.’
Khorsandi said it was ‘hard’ to report the offence (Picture: Getty)
According to the charity Rape Crisis, just one in 100 reports of sexual violence reach the stage of a suspect being charged.
At least one in four women and one in 20 men have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, according to the organisation.
Earlier this week, a 24-hour helpline for rape victims was rolled out across England and Wales.
More: Trending
Specialists will be on hand by phone or online to offer support to victims of sexual violence in a first-of-its-kind project.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the CPS for comment.
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