Labour MP Natalie Fleet has opened up about being groomed and raped by an older man at the age of 15, resulting in her becoming pregnant. Fleet, recently elected as the Bolsover MP, revealed that she has “weekly nightmares” about what happened to her 23 years ago. She emphasised that she was unaware that they were having unprotected sex and that it constituted statutory rape.
Fleet spoke to GB News about her experiences and how she aims to be a voice for women who find themselves in similar circumstances, especially those who go on to have children despite the lack of support from society. She described her daughter, who is now 23, as “the absolute love of my life.” Unfortunately, when she searched for advice for women in her situation several years ago, Fleet found none. She was surprised by the lack of acknowledgement that it happens in the UK despite research estimating that over 3,000 conceptions result from rape each year, with no charity supporting these women.
Fleet stated she wants to use her platform as an MP to talk more about women like her and “do something about it.” She does not want anyone to go through what she went through alone, without support, and aims to be a voice for those women who have also made tough decisions about their pregnancies and need more resources, support, and acknowledgement. Fleet emphasised that the incident had a “massive impact” on her life, even though it occurred over two decades ago, and speaking mentally about her experiences could be helpful to move forward and support other women.
The MP sees herself as a representative of all women who have children in less than ideal situations, continuing in her role as the “absolute love of my life” as a way of supporting people from difficult circumstances. Her interview with GB News will air on Sunday, and she hopes it will reach a wide audience to raise awareness on a topic that requires more extensive discussion and support. She emphasises that anyone affected by such a story, the support and help is available at BBC Action Line
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