Key Highlights
- Midlands MP Josh Newbury speaks out about being raped after a night out.
- Newbury aims to end the stigma around sexual assault for men.
- The incident occurred nearly a decade ago during a night out in an unfamiliar city.
- He did not report the attack and felt guilty afterwards, but now advocates for victims.
A Bold Stand: Midlands MP Speaks Out on Sexual Assault
MP Josh Newbury, representing Labour’s Cannock Chase constituency, has bravely broken his silence to address a deeply personal and traumatic experience that occurred nearly a decade ago. In an international debate held on the occasion of International Men’s Day, Newbury candidly shared his story, shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of sexual assault among men.
The Incident: A Night Out Gone Wrong
Speaking in the Commons, Mr. Newbury recounted a night out that turned into a harrowing ordeal. “Around 10 years ago,” he began, “I went on a night out in an unfamiliar city with a group of friends. I was very conscious not to overdo it, because if I got separated from the group, I wanted to be able to find my way back to the hotel.” This cautiousness, however, would prove futile as Newbury’s memory became fragmented during the evening.
He woke up in his hotel room with another man, who told him he had a great night and needed to be taken care of. “That didn’t seem to tally with me being determined to pace myself,” Newbury explained. The next morning, he discovered that the man had sent him text messages asking what he remembered, which only heightened his confusion and fear.
Processing the Trauma: A Long Road to Recovery
The MP took several weeks to piece together his memories and realize that he was a victim of rape. “Now that made me freeze,” Newbury admitted. “Because I had no recollection of getting back to the hotel, let alone anything else, and he’d repeatedly told me how out of it I’d been, so how could I have ever consented?” The guilt and shame that accompanied his realization weighed heavily on him for years.
Despite not reporting the incident to police due to a lack of evidence, Newbury is now committed to raising awareness. “It took me a few weeks to piece together my memories, the blanks, the text messages, this man’s insistent tone,” he shared. “Obviously, I cut myself off from contact but it took me a long time to admit, even to myself, that I was a victim of rape.” His experience has left him with mixed emotions—lucky for escaping severe harm and yet carrying a burden of guilt.
Advocating for Change: Breaking the Silence
Newbury’s bravery in sharing his story is part of a broader effort to end the stigma around sexual assault among men. Speaking later in the debate, Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised Newbury’s courage and acknowledged its impact on many who may never meet him but will draw strength from his words. “I can honestly say, having been in this house for 10 years,” Streeting stated, “it is a rare moment to hear such a courageous speech as the one that we heard opening this debate.” He highlighted Newbury’s commitment to justice and his role in inspiring others.
According to Newbury, no victim should ever feel shame. Instead, he hopes to foster an environment where men have the courage to speak out about their experiences. “It is the people who do this to another person who should feel shame,” he emphasized.
Newbury’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of support and understanding for victims of sexual assault.
As fellow Labour MPs like Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) and Jim Dickson (Dartford) offered him support, Newbury continued to advocate for change. His words are not only a call to action but also a testament to the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity.
