Loose Women panellist GK Barry has revealed that she was raped by an older male co-worker when she was 17 years old, sharing the ordeal publicly for the first time in her new book, It's Giving Life: A Guide To Surviving And Thriving.
The 27-year-old, whose full name is Grace Barry, spoke to The Sun about the harrowing experience, explaining that the book is not an autobiography but does include deeply personal stories, including the sexual assault. She decided to include the traumatic ordeal after learning of new statistics showing that almost a quarter of women have been raped or sexually assaulted from the age of 16.
Social media announcement
On Saturday (August 29), the TV personality took to social media to discuss her book online. She wrote: "This is the first time I've spoken about a chapter in my book that I've never shared publicly before. When I was 17 I was raped and I've spent the last 10 years not telling anyone out of fear.
"I have been extremely nervous abuot speakign about this and for a long time tried to push it to one side and not thing about it but I hope by speaking about it it might help others to know they can too, and it wasn't their fault. I also hope this can help other people not be in the same situation that I was in.
"I've been speaking with an amazing charity, Rape Crisis, which I wish I'd known about at the time. They offer 24/7 support and advice if anyone needs it."
Details shared in interview
Grace shared some details of the attack in an interview with The Sun's Fabulous magazine. She told the outlet: "Until now, only five people knew about this, including my mum, dad, and girlfriend Ella [Rutherford]. I was never planning to write about it, but I realised it was really important. My audience is young, and if sharing this helps even one of them, then it will be worth it.
"Hopefully, if they are ever in a situation like I was, they will be able to say no. Sadly, I know plenty of women have stories like this, and I want them to know it's not their fault and that they didn't do anything wrong."
Book's purpose and support
Grace's book also includes a statement clarifying that it is not an autobiography. It read: "I should probably tell you what this book isn't. It's not an autobiography (I'm still too fresh out of the womb) or self-development guide (er, be real).
"Neither does it contain a magic formula that's going to give you the solution to surviving every plot twist life decides to throw at you. None of my 'advice' - and I use the term in the loosest possible sense - should be taken as gospel. Or even at all."
Grace went on to explain that she is simply sharing the details of her life as she has experienced them so far, adding: "I'm laying every last bit of personal trauma out there for the greater good of humanity, which basically makes me a saint, and you can thank me later."
If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.
