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Nina Cresswell’s relentless pursuit of justice has unfolded over 15 harrowing years, stemming from a violent sexual assault that left her not only physically scarred but also grappling with a system that she feels has failed her. With only 2 per cent of sexual offence reports leading to convictions, Nina’s story exemplifies the arduous battle many survivors face in their quest for accountability and healing.
A Night to Remember
On the night of 28 May 2010, Nina’s life took a devastating turn. After meeting a man named William Hay in a nightclub in Sunderland, she found herself in a terrifying situation. She alleges that Hay violently assaulted her, leaving her with no choice but to escape. Shaken and terrified, Nina reached out to the police, hoping for an empathetic response and a thorough investigation. Instead, she encountered a wall of disbelief, as officers dismissed her account simply because she had been drinking.
“I was terrified, shocked, and traumatised,” Nina recounted, the emotion still palpable in her voice. “I expected to be heard and believed, but what I faced was a complete dismissal of my experience.” The police did not take her statement seriously and decided not to record the incident as a crime, marking the beginning of a long and painful journey marked by “traumatisation after traumatisation.”
Seeking Accountability
Now 35, Nina is taking a stand not just for herself but for countless others who have endured similar experiences. She has initiated legal action against Northumbria Police, alleging that they violated her human rights by failing to conduct a proper investigation. “If they had done their jobs that night, I wouldn’t still be fighting for justice today,” she asserted, embodying the frustration that many survivors feel when faced with institutional neglect.
Despite the police reopening their investigation twice, they declared there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution. In a pivotal moment, a civil High Court judge ruled in 2023 that Nina had indeed been “violently sexually assaulted.” This judgement, delivered after a defamation case brought by Hay against her, shifted the narrative from one of doubt to recognition of her suffering. The judge condemned the police’s handling of her case as “deficient” and described their investigation as “superficial.”
The Cost of Justice
The toll of this prolonged battle has been immense. “I lost everything,” Nina shared, reflecting on the impact of her fight for justice. Legal fees have drained her finances, resulting in the loss of her home and business. The stress of reliving her trauma has taken a severe toll on her mental health, leading to physical ailments that have sidelined her advocacy efforts.
Yet, amid the challenges, Nina remains determined. “This time it feels like the shoe is on the other foot – I’m the claimant,” she stated, highlighting her resolve to ensure that her experience brings about meaningful change within the police force. Alongside her fight, organisations like the Good Law Project and Centre for Women’s Justice are rallying behind her, calling for systemic changes to prevent others from enduring similar neglect.
A Call for Change
In response to Nina’s ongoing legal battle, Northumbria Police have acknowledged their past failures. A recent internal investigation concluded that the original handling of her case “fell below the standards expected in today’s policing.” The force has issued an apology, recognising that the service she received was unacceptable.
Yet, Nina is not satisfied with mere apologies. She is advocating for broader reforms within the police to ensure that survivors are treated with the respect and seriousness they deserve. “The more people who hold the police to account publicly, the more scrutiny they will face, and the more they will be pushed to change,” she said, capturing the essence of her mission.
Why it Matters
Nina Cresswell’s journey highlights a critical issue facing survivors of sexual assault: the need for a justice system that prioritises their voices. With alarming statistics revealing that only a fraction of sexual offences result in convictions, her story serves as a rallying cry for change. By confronting the systemic failures within law enforcement, Nina not only seeks justice for herself but also for the countless others who have suffered in silence. Her courage and determination shine a light on the urgent need for reform, fostering hope that one day, survivors will be heard and believed without hesitation.