Bláthnaid Raleigh Reveals Trauma in New Book Following Rape Case

UPDATE: Bláthnaid Raleigh is breaking her silence in a powerful new book, Aftermath, detailing the devastating impact of her 2019 rape by Jonathan Moran, who was sentenced to eight years in prison on July 1, 2024. The emotional revelations come as she reflects on her five-year struggle for justice while her attacker seemingly continued with his life.

Just announced, Raleigh’s book sheds light on the harrowing experience she endured after a night out in Galway with friends. It was at a house party that she was assaulted, an event that forever altered the course of her life. In an emotional excerpt, she writes, “I see him as he was that night, before he was a rapist, before he shattered my life.”

Raleigh’s journey through a judicial system that claims to be victim-centric is a central theme of her narrative. As she recounts her experience in court, she vividly describes the tension of watching the proceedings unfold, feeling the weight of the burden of proof resting on her shoulders. “Without a conviction, I feel censored,” she shares, emphasizing the immense pressure victims face in pursuing justice.

The book’s poignant accounts include her interactions with Detective Garda Sharon Noone, who led the investigation. “Look, the next bit of evidence is CCTV,” Noone warned Raleigh, highlighting the emotional turmoil of reliving those moments through video. The footage, which depicts Raleigh’s normal night out with friends, starkly contrasts the reality of what followed—an experience that no one should endure.

In a gripping moment, Raleigh recalls the painful realization of watching the CCTV footage that captured her last moments of safety. She expresses her desperate wish to warn her past self, “Stop. Stop. Stop.” But she was powerless to change the course of events that night.

The release of Aftermath is not just a personal catharsis for Raleigh; it serves as a broader commentary on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault. With the justice system often failing to provide the support victims need, her story is both a call for change and a source of hope for others who have experienced similar trauma.

As Raleigh continues her advocacy work in education, she is determined to use her voice to help others heal. Her story underscores the importance of sharing such experiences, pushing for societal change, and advocating for victims’ rights.

Readers can access Aftermath, co-authored with Niall Kelly, now. This compelling narrative is poised to resonate with many, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by survivors in their quest for justice and healing.